Inmate Orientation Handbook - Federal Bureau of Prisons

u.s.Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal Correctional Complex
Petersburg, Virginia
Inmate Orientation Handbook
FCC Petersburg
Petersburg, Virginia
November 2011
Unit Staff strive to create, maintain and control an environment for inmates which is both safe
and humane. This will be accomplished by working closely with tile inmates in an effort to
maintain a high level of sanitation, as well as encouraging group and individual counseling.
Our efforts are supplemented by various unit programs, educational programs, inmate work
assignments, recreational activities and inmate classification and program reviews. Empllasis
will be placed on sound discipline, institutional adjustment, interpersonal conlmunication,
problem identification, and problem solving techniques.
Inmate Information Handbook
FCC Petersburg November 2011
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Department Overviews
Correctional Services .... ............................................................................................................ 4
Inmate Counts
Call-Out / Change Sheets
Controlled Movement
Contraband
Searches
Drug Surveillance
Alcohol Detection
Inmate Identification Cards
Visiting Procedures
(Dress Code for Visitors, Identification of Visitors, Items Authorized, Items
Permitted to be provided to the Inmate, Special Visits, Special Rules for
Children)
Correctional Systems ................................................................................................................. 8
Open House Hours
Correspondence
Incoming Publications
Special Mail
Correspondence with News Media
Correspondence Between Inmates
Rejection of Correspondence
Notification of Rejected Correspondence
Mailing of Inmate Property
Forwarding of Mail
Certified / Registered Mail
Sentence Computation
Detainers
Good Conduct Time
Inmate Personal Property
Education ................................................................................................................................. 14
Literacy
English as-a-Second Language
Occupational Education
Post Secondary Education
Adult Continuing Education
Parenting
Release Preparation
Law Library
Facilities .................................................................................................................................. 15
Financial Management ............................................................................................................ 16
Food Service ............................................................................................................................ 17
Religious Diet
Meal Schedule
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FCC Petersburg November 2011
Health Services ........................................................................................................................ 17
Sick Call Procedures
Inmate Co-Pay
Over the Counter Medication (OTC's)
Pill / Insulin Line Procedures
Medical Emergencies
Dental Sick Call Procedures
Routine Dental Care
Missed Appointments
Eyeglasses
Footwear
Hearing Aids
Physical Examinations
Consults / Non BOP Medical Staff
HIV Information
Advance Directives (Living Wills)
Early Meal Passes
General Questions
Inmate Services ....................................................................................................................... 23
Commissary
Deposits to Commissary Account
Commissary Fund Withdrawals
Account Inquires
Spending Limitations
Laundry & Clothing Operations
Inmate Telephone System
Psychology .............................................................................................................................. 27
Sex Offender Management Program
Residential Drug Abuse Program
Prevention of Sexually Abusive Behavior
Recreation ................................................................................................................................ 32
Hours of Operation
Facilities
Leisure Programs & Intramural Leagues
Hobby Craft Program
General Information
Religious Services ................................................................................................................... 33
Religious Communities
UNICOR .................................................................................................................................. 34
Unit Management .................................................................................................................... 34
Treaty Transfer for Non-US Inmates
Release Planning
Residential Re-entry Center Placement
Mandatory DNA Collection
Inmate Financial Responsibility Program
Job Assignments
Marriage
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Intake Screening
Dress Code / Sanitation
Inmate Discipline / Special Housing Unit
Initial Hear~ng
Discipline Hearing Officer
Special Housing Unit
Prohibited Acts and Disciplinary Scale
Access to Legal Services
Legal Correspondence
Attorney Visits
Legal Material
Notary public
Copies of Legal Material
Federal Tort Claims
Inmate Access to Central/Medical Files
Inmate Access to other Documents
Freedom of Information / Privacy Act of 1974
Administrative Remedies / Problem Resolution
Inmate Request to Staff Member
Administrative Remedy Process
Sensitive Complaints
Inmate Rights and Responsibilities
Directions to Institution / Local Transportation
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Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to provide incoming inmates with general information regarding
institution rules, regulations and various programs. Most of the information in this handbook is
consistent throughout the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and will help inmates during their initial
adjustment at an institution.
The information contained in this handbook will serve as a guide for all inmates assigned to the Federal
Correctional Complex, Petersburg, Virginia. This information will help you to understand what is
expected of you. This handbook will explain the general operations of this facility. You are
encouraged to read this handbook carefully upon your arrival.
During the first 28 days of each inmate's arrival at FCC Petersburg, each inmate will attend an
orientation (A&O) program. During the program, staff from various departments will inform inmates
of policies and procedures concerning specific programs and services at FCC Petersburg.
There should be open communication and cooperation between inmates and staff. You will find staff
to be knowledgeable, firm, and fair as they address any inmate concerns. The staff will perform their
duties according to policy.
Department Overviews
Correctional Services
The Correctional Services Department consists of the Captain, Deputy Captain, SIS staff, Lieutenants,
Correctional Officers, and Security Officers. This department is responsible for the overall security of
each institution.
Inmate Counts
When a count is announced, each inmate must return to his room or bed area, and remain there quietly
until it is announced the count is clear. Official counts will ordinarily be taken at 12:00 midnight,
3:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. On weekends and federal holidays, there is an additional
count at 10:00 a.m. Staff may conduct counts at other times than mentioned above. The 4:00 p.m.,
9:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. count are Stand Up counts. All inmates must be standing next to their beds.
An inmate is subject to disciplinary action if he is not in his assigned area during count or leaves an
assigned area before the count is cleared. Staff must actually see and count each inmate during an
official count, even if the inmate must be awakened.
Call Out / Change Sheets
A call out sheet is a form used to schedule inmates for specific appointments. Appointments may
include hospital, dental, education, team meetings, and other activities. It is the inmate's
responsibility to check the callout sheets for daily appointments. An inmate is subject to disciplinary
action ifhe fails to report to an appointment at the specified date and time. Inmates should check with
their Unit Team as to where the call outs may be located within the unit.
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Controlled Movement
Movement throughout the institution is regulated by a procedure called controlled movement. The
purpose of controlled movement is to ensure the movement of inmates is systematic. Controlled
movements will begin generally at five (5) minutes before the hour and will end at five (5) minutes
after the hour. The beginning and end of each move will be announced over the loudspeaker.
During the ten minute period of controlled movement, inmates may move from one area of the
institution to another. Inmates are not to be standing around during movement periods.
During the evening hours, the first controlled movement will begin at the end of the evening meal.
This means after dinner, inmates may travel to any unrestricted area of the institution during these
hourly moves. On Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, the first controlled movement will begin at the
end of the morning meal.
Contraband
Contraband is defined as any item or thing not authorized or issued by the institution, received through
approved channels, or purchased through the Commissary. All staff are alert to the subject of
contraband and make an effort to locate, confiscate, and report contraband in the institution. Any item
in an inmate's personal possession must be authorized and a record of the receipt of the item should be
kept in the inmate's possession. Inmates may not purchase radios or any other items from another
inmate. Items purchased in this manner are considered contraband and will be confiscated. An
altered item, even if it is an approved or issued item, is considered contraband. Altering or damaging
government property is a violation of institution rules and the cost of the damage will be levied against
the violator.
Searches
Any staff member may search an inmate or his room in search of contraband or stolen property. It is
not necessary for the inmate to be present when his room is inspected. The property and living area
will be left in the same general condition as found and these inspections will be unannounced and
random.
Drug Surveillance
Each institution maintains a drug surveillance program which includes mandatory and random testing.
If a staff member orders an inmate to provide a urine sample for this program, and the inmate refuses,
the inmate will be subject to disciplinary action.
Alcohol Detection
Each institution maintains an alcohol surveillance program. Inmates are tested randomly with an
alco-sensor test kit. Inmates suspected of alcohol use will also be tested. Inmates will be subject to
disciplinary actions if they test positive, or refuse to be tested.
Inmate Identification Cards
INMATES MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF THEIR INMATE IDENTIFICATION CARDS AT ALL
TIMES. Any alterations to the identification card could lead to disciplinary action. See your Unit
Team or Receiving and Discharge staff during open house if a replacement card is needed due to
normal usage or damage (Le. number or photo are not legible).
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Visiting Procedures
Inmates are encouraged to have visits in order to maintain family and community ties. On Thursday,
Friday, and Monday, the hours of visiting are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturday, Sunday and
holidays, the hours of operation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Camp will conduct visitation
on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays. Due to the number of inmates at the medium
facility, inmates will only be allowed visits one day per weekend. The exact visiting day (Saturday or
Sunday) will be determined by the fifth digit of the register number and whether it is an odd number or
even number.
Each inmate will receive 10 points per month. Points are charged as follows: weekday visits are one
point each; weekends and holidays are two points each at the Low and Camp, and three points for the
Medium. No more than 6 points can be used on weekends. Unused points are canceled at the end of
the month. Any part of a day shall count as a whole day/point. The number of approved visitors
permitted to visit an inmate at one time will be limited to four. Children under two years of age, who
do not require a seat will not be counted against the four visitor rule.
Immediate family will include: father, mother, step-parents, brothers, sisters, wife, children,
step-children or one having served as parents, such as legal guardian, foster parents or grandparents
(validated in the inmates' presentence report). A common-law spouse will usually be treated as an
immediate family member if the common-law relationship has previously been established in a state
which recognizes such a status. A total of 6 other relatives, friends and associates may be placed on
the visiting list upon receiving clearance. Attorney visits will be approved and arrangements made in
advance by the inmate's Unit Team.
Inmates receiving extended medical treatment at a local hospital will not normally be permitted to have
visitors. However, in extenuating circumstances, visits with those persons on the inmate's visiting list
requires the approval of the Associate Warden of Programs, Chief Medical Officer, and Captain.
All visits will begin and end in the visiting room. Kissing, embracing, and handshaking are allowed
only on arrival and departure.
Inmates and visitors must be properly dressed in order to be admitted to the visiting room.
Requests for special visits or visits for family emergencies should be addressed with the Unit Manager.
These will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Dress Code For Visitors
All visitors for inmates are expected to use good judgment and taste in their dress attire. The
following guidelines will be used to determine proper attire for visitors. The front entrance officer is
responsible for determining suitable attire.
A. Adult visitors (male and female) over the age of sixteen may wear walking shorts (or culottes)
no more than 3" above the knee. Visitors under 16 may wear suitable casual clothing.
B. No see through clothing.
C. No military style clothing similar to inmate wear.
D. No tank tops or other wear that exposes the midriff or cleavage area.
E. Footwear is required. Sandals are acceptable with the exception of flip-flops.
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F. Skirts must be within 3" of the knee. No splits up higher.
G. No spandex type clothing or other tight fitting apparel.
Any questions regarding proper attire will be referred to the Operations Lieutenant or staff Duty
Officer.
Inmates may only take a comb, wedding band, prescription eyeglasses, a handkerchief, and a religious
medal into the visiting room. Items brought in or purchased by the visitor may not be brought back
inside the institution by the inmate. No items may be exchanged in the visiting room between an
inmate and visitor.
Identification of Visitors
Photo identification is required for visitors. These may include a valid state driver's license or state
identification card. Birth certificates are not considered proper identification. Persons without
proper identification will not be permitted to visit.
Visitors must be able to clear the x-ray and metal detector. Visitors with medical conditions which
prevent them from passing thru the metal detector or other conditions (Le. oxygen tank, prosthetics)
must have written documentation and prior approval from the inmate's Unit Team. Visitor's purses,
attorney's briefcases, etc. may also be searched. Other personal articles belonging to visitors must be
placed in lockers provided by the institution or may be left in their cars.
Items Authorized
Visitors are permitted to bring cash not exceeding $40.00 into the visiting room to purchase items from
the vending machines. Also, a reasonable number of diapers and other infant care items and sanitary
napkins may be brought into the visiting room. No food may be brought into the visiting room.
Items Permitted to be Provided to the Inmate
Inmates are not allowed to receive either coins or money while in the visiting room. Money for
commissary accounts must be sent to the national lock box. Visitors are not permitted to give the
inmate any items other than food items purchased from the visiting room, vending machines. These
items must be consumed in the visiting room and cannot be taken out of the visiting room by the
inmate.
Special Rules for Children
At stated above, children two years and older, who require a seat, will be counted as an adult, as it
relates to the number of visitors allowed in the visiting room. Children only, are permitted in the
children's play area. All other rules apply to children just as they do for adults.
Visiting Denialrrermination - Visitors can be denied entry into the institution for a variety of reasons,
including, but not limited to the following: Incorrect visiting day, the inmate has no points remaining,
visitor is not on the visiting list, improper clothing, improper/expired identification,
introduction/attempted introduction of contraband, inmate's visiting restricted, violation/attempted
violation of any visiting regulation, improper conduct with staff, improper conduct during visitation.
Additionally, visitation may be terminated early due to any violations of visiting regulations and
during times of visiting room crowding.
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Correctional Systems
Open House Hours
• Low Records Office - Tuesday and Thursday 11 :00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Low Mail Room - Tuesday and Thursday 11 :00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Low Receiving & Discharge - Wednesday II :00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Low Legal/Special Mail- Monday thru Friday (except holidays) II :00 a.m. to II :30 a.m.
• Camp (Records/R&DlMailroom) conducted in Visiting Room - Tuesday II :00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m.
• Camp Legal/Special Mail- Monday thru Friday (except holidays) - Inmates meet the mail
room officer at the officer's station during afternoon mail delivery.
• Medium Records Office - Tuesday and Friday II :00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Medium Mail Room - Tuesday and Friday II :00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Medium Receiving & Discharge - Tuesday and Friday II :00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Medium Legal/Special Mail- Monday thru Friday (except holidays) during morning work call
Correspondence
In most cases, inmates are permitted to correspond with the public, family members and others without
prior approval or the maintenance of a correspondence list. Outgoing mail is placed in mailboxes
located in the housing units. Outgoing mail for inmates in the Low institution and the Camp may be
sealed. Inmates housed in the Medium institution, including the Special Housing Unit, may not seal
their outgoing general correspondence. This mail is sealed by the Unit officer when the mail is
collected. The outgoing envelope must have the inmate's name, registration number, and the return
address in the upper left-hand corner. There is no mail service on weekends and holidays.
Inmates must assume responsibility for the contents of all their letters. Correspondence containing
threats, extortion, etc., may result in prosecution for violation of federal laws.
Inmates may be placed on restricted correspondence status based on misconduct or as a matter of
classification. The inmate is notified of this placement and has the opportunity to respond.
First class mail, newspapers, and magazines are ordinarily distributed Monday through Friday, except
holidays, by the evening watch officer in each living unit. Unit staff wi II deliver legal and special mail
to inmates within 24 hours. Inmates are instructed to notify those writing to them to put the inmate's
committed name (no nicknames or aliases), registration number, and the living unit on the envelope for
prompt delivery of their mail.
All inmate packages received at the institution must have prior authorization or they will be rejected.
Packages for inmates addressed in care of staff will be returned to sender without and approved
package authorization.
Incoming Publications
The Bureau permits inmates to subscribe to and receive publications without prior approval. The term
"pu blication means a book, single issue of a magazine or newspaper, or materials addressed to a
Jl
specific inmate, such as advertising brochures, flyers, and catalogs. An inmate housed at the Low
institution or the Camp may receive soft-cover publications (paper-back books etc.) from any source.
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An inmate housed at the Medium institution, including the Special Housing Unit, may only receive
soft-cover publications (paper-back books, magazines, etc.) from an identifiable book store, book club,
or distributor.
An inmate either at the Low, Camp or Medium facilities, may receive newspapers and hardcover
publications only from the publisher, bookstore or book club. The Unit Manager may allow more
space for legal publications upon request.
The Warden will reject a publication if it is determined to be detrimental to the security, good order or
discipline of the institution, or if it might facilitate criminal activity.
Publications which meet one of the following criteria may be rejected:
~ It depicts or describes procedures for the construction or use of weapons, ammunition, bombs,
or incendiary devices.
~ It depicts, encourages, or describes methods of escape from correctional facilities or contains
blueprints, drawings, or similar descriptions of Bureau of Prisons institutions.
~ It depicts or describes procedures for the brewing of alcoholic beverages or the manufacture
of drugs.
~ It is written in code.
~ It depicts, describes, or encourages activities which may lead to the use of physical violence
or group disruption.
~ It encourages or instructs in the commission of criminal activity.
~ It is sexually explicit material, or features nudity (reference only P.S. 5266.10) that by its
nature or content poses a threat to the security, good order, or discipline of the institution.
Special Mai I
IISpecial Mail" is a category of correspondence which may be sent out of the institution unopened and
unread by staff, which includes correspondence to: President and Vice-President of the United States,
U. S. Department of Justice (including Bureau of Prisons), U. S. Attorney Offices, Surgeon General,
U. S. Public Health Service, Secretary of the Army, Navy, or Air Force, U. S. Courts, U. S. Probation
Officers, members of the U. S. Congress, Embassies and Consulates, Governors, State Attorneys
General, Prosecuting Attorneys, Directors of State Departments of Corrections, State Parole
Commissioners, State Legislators, State Courts, State Probation Officers, other federal and state law
enforcement officers, attorneys and representatives of the news media.
In order for special/legal mail handling to be provided, Bureau Policy requires the sender to be
adequately identified on the envelope and that the envelope be marked "Special Mail- Open Only in
the Presence of the Inmate" or with similar language.
Inmates needing to mail"Special Mail" should show the Unit Officer the sealed envelope. The Unit
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Officer will release the inmate from the unit so the inmate can report to the records office. The inmate
should report to the Records Office and provide staff with their inmate identification card, and the
uSpecial Mail" being mailed. The return address must match that of the inmate, and inmate
identification card. Any mail weighing 16 ounces or more must be accompanied by a signed
"Authorization to Mail a Package."
"Special Mail" also includes mail received from the following: President and Vice-President of the
United States, attorneys, members ofU. S. Congress, Embassies and Consulates, the U.S. Department
of Justice (excluding the Bureau of Prisons), other federal law enforcement officers, U.S. Attorneys,
State Attorney Generals, Prosecuting Attorneys, Governors, U.S. Courts and State Courts.
A designated staff member opens incoming uSpecial Mail" in the presence of the inmate. This is
usually done by the Correctional Counselor or Case Manager. These items will be checked for
physical contraband and for qualification as "Special Mail". The correspondence will not be read or
copied if the sender has accurately identified himself/herself on the envelope and front of the envelope
clearly indicates the correspondence is "Special Mail, Only to be opened in the presence of the inmate".
Without adequate identification as "Special Mail", staff may treat the mail as general correspondence.
In this case, the mail may be opened, read, and inspected. (See PS 5265.08, correspondence, for
detailed instructions).
Inmate should use the following address to receive their incoming mail and for the return address for
their outgoing mail.
Inmates housed at the Camp: Inmates housed at the Low: Inmates housed at the Medium:
Name, Register Number Name, Register Number Names, Register Number
FCC Petersburg-Camp FCC Petersburg, Low FCC Petersburg, Medium
P.O. Box 1000 P.O. Box 1000 P.O. Box 1000
Petersburg, VA 23804 Petersburg, VA 23804 Petersburg, VA 23804
Inmate Correspondence with Representatives of the News Media
An inmate may write through uSpecial Mail" procedures to representatives of the news media if
specified by name or title. The inmate may not receive compensation or anything of value for
correspondence with the news media. The inmate may not act as a reporter, publish under a byline, or
conduct a business or profession while in Bureau custody.
Representatives of the news media may initiate correspondence with an inmate. Correspondence
from a representative of the news media will be opened, and inspected for contraband, for qualification
as media correspondence, and for the content which is likely to promote either illegal activity or
conduct contrary to regulations.
Correspondence Between Confined Inmates
An inmate may be permitted to correspond with an inmate confined in another penal or correctional
institution. This is permitted if the other inmate is either a member of the 'immediate family, or is
party in an ongoing legal action (or witness) in which both parties are involved.
The following additional limitations apply:
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• Such correspondence is always inspected and read by staff at the sending and receiving
institutions (it may not be sealed by the inmate).
• The Unit Managers at both federal institutions may approve inmate to inmate correspondence.
The Warden must approve all inmate correspondence to inmates in non-federal institutions.
Rejection of Correspondence
The Warden may reject correspondence sent by or to an inmate if it is determined to be detrimental to
the security, good order, or discipline of the institution, to the protection of the public, or if it might
facilitate criminal activity.
Examples include:
• Matter which is non-mailable under law or postal regulations.
• Information of escape plots, of plans to commit illegal activities, or to violate institution rules.
• Direction of an inmate's business (prohibited act 408). An inmate may not direct a business
while confined.
This does not, however, prohibit correspondence necessary to enable an inmate to protect property or
funds that were legitimately his at the time of his confinement. An inmate may correspond about
refinancing a mortgage for his home or sign insurance papers; but he may not operate a mortgage or
insurance business while confined in the institution.
Notification of Rejection
The Warden will give written notice to the sender concerning the rejection of mail and the reasons for
rejection. The sender of the rejected correspondence may appeal the rejection. The inmate will also
be notified of the rejection of correspondence and the reasons for it. The inmate also has the right to
appeal the rejection. The Warden shall refer the appeal to a designated officer other than the one who
originally disapproved the correspondence. Rejected correspondence ordinarily will be returned to
the sender.
Mailing of Inmate Property
Inmates wishing to have personal items mailed into the institution will send an Inmate Request to Staff
to the department head responsible for the requested item as follows:
• Unit Manager - release clothing
• Hospital Administrator - orthopedic shoes, arch supports, prescription eyeglasses, prosthetic
devices, and hearing aids.
• Religious Services - wedding bands, inmates are permitted to have their wedding bands as long
as the band has no stones.
Forwarding of Mail
The mail room staff will forward general correspondence mail (as opposed to special mail) to the new
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address provided by the inmate of release for a period of 30 days. After the 30 day period, general
mail received will be returned to the sender with the notation "not at this address - return to sender."
After the 30 days, the address provided will be used to forward special/legal mail.
CertifiedlRegistered Mai I
Inmates desiring to use certified or registered mail may do so by attending mail room open house.
Open House for the Low is conducted on Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of II :00 a.m. and
12:00 p.m. Open House for the Medium is conducted on Tuesday and Friday between the hours of
11 :00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. An inmate may not use express mail, private carrier services, or collect on
delivery (COD). Stamp collecting is prohibited.
Sentence Computation
The Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) is responsible for the computation of
inmate sentences. An inmate will be given a copy of his sentence computation as soon as it is
prepared. Any questions about good time, jail time credit, parole eligibility, full term dates, release
dates, or periods of supervision, are resolved by staff upon inmate request for clarification. If an
inmate is dissatisfied with the response provided, the inmate should address their issue through the
Administrative Remedy Process.
Detainers
Warrants (or certified copies of warrants) based on pending charges, overlapping, consecutive, or
unsatisfied sentences in federal, state, or military jurisdictions, will be accepted as detainers.
Detainers and untried charges can have an effect on institutional programs. Therefore, it is very
important that the inmate initiate efforts to clear up these cases to the degree he can. Case
Management staff may give assistance to offenders in their efforts to have detainers against them
disposed of, either by having the charges dropped, by restoration to probation or parole status, or by
arrangement for concurrent service of the state sentence. The degree to which the staff can assist in
such matters will depend on individual circumstances.
Federal and State detainers may be quickly processed under the procedures of the "Interstate
Agreement on Detainers." This agreement applies to all detainers based on pending charges which
have been lodged against an inmate by a "member" state, including the u.S. Government, regardless of
when the detainer was lodged, with the exception of Probation and Parole violation detainers.
For an inmate to use this procedure, the warrant must be lodged with the institution. If no detainer is
actually lodged at the institution, but the inmate knows of pending charges, it is important for the
inmate to contact the court and district attorney.
Good Conduct Time
This applies to inmates sentenced for an offense committed after November 1, 1987. The
Comprehensive Crime Control Act became law November 1, 1987. The two most significant changes
in the sentencing statues deal with good time and parole issues. There are no provisions under the new
law for parole. The only good time available will be fifty-four (54) days per year good conduct time.
This may not be awarded until the end of the year, and may be awarded in part or in whole, contingent
upon behavior during the year. Once awarded, it is vested and may not be forfeited.
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There is no statutory good time or extra good time for people sentenced for crimes committed after
November 1, 1987.
For inmates whose date of offense is after April 26, 1996 and serving a United States Code sentence or
a District of Columbia sentence, they are eligible to receive fifty-four (54 days) Good Conduct Time
for each year physically served of the sentence. The good time does not vest until the inmate's release
date. In addition, an inmate's award of Good Conduct Time can be impacted by the inmate's progress
or status of earning a GED through the Education Department. If the inmate goes into an
unsatisfactory GED status, as determined by Education staff, the amount of Good Conduct Time is
reduced to forty-two (42) days while the inmate is in an unsatisfactory status.
Inmate Personal Property
Items which may be retained by an inmate are limited for sanitation, security, and safety reasons. This
is done to ensure excess personal property is not accumulated which would constitute a fire hazard or
impair staff searches of your living area.
The only time an inmate may be authorized to receive a package will be for medical devices and
release clothing. Inmate will not be permitted to receive packages from home with the exception of
release clothing. Inmates are only authorized to possess items issued, sold in the commissary or
purchased thru Special Purchase Order. All personal property, including commissary items, will be
stored in lockers. Locks for lockers may purchase personal locks in the institution commissary.
All inmate tennis shoes must be marked with the inmate's register number inside the tongue or on the
inside label. Staff will mark the shoes with a permanent marker. All unmarked shoes will be
confiscated.
Inmates may store their legal materials and supplies in their locker. Inmates may request additional
storage space for legal material through their Correctional Counselor.
The total value of an inmate's accumulated commissary items (excluding special purchase) will be
limited to the monthly spending limitation. Special limits on various items may apply.
Exposed food items create a health hazard. Inmates must properly seal their food when not
consumed. Empty jars may not be kept or used as drinking containers. Those empty jars are to be
thrown away.
Inmates are limited in the number of magazines stored in the locker or shelf provided in each room.
Inmates may have in their room/cubicle three newspapers (current), five magazines and ten books.
Inmates must have written authorization from the Supervisor of Education to receive or possess a
correspondence course.
Upon completion of the course, the books and materials should be mailed out. If any books are kept,
they will be counted as one of the allowable books. Picture frames sold in the commissary may be
displayed on locker tops. However, no pictures or items may be tacked, stapled, or taped to any
locker, door, window, bed or wall. All nude or partially nude pictures must be stored inside lockers
and out of public view.
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An inmate may not own or possess more than one (1) approved radio and/or watch at anyone time.
Proof of ownership, through appropriate property receipts, will be required. Radios with a CD/tape
recorder and/or CD/tape player are not authorized. Only walkman-type radios are permitted, and
headphones are required at all times. While an inmate is in holdover status, he may not purchase, own
or possess a radio or watch. Inmates may not give any items of value to another inmate i.e., radio,
watch, sneakers and commissary items.
Inmates may have a plain wedding band (without stones) and, with prior approval, a religious medal
without stones. The declared value of the item must be less than $100.00.
Education
The Education Department is responsible for providing literacy and English as-a-Second Language
(ESL) programs as required by law, and other education and related programs that meet the needs and
interests of the inmate population, provide options for the positive use of inmate time, and enhance
successful reintegration into the community.
Inmate education programs include: literacy, English as-a-Second Language, vocational training and
apprenticeship, parenting, and adult continuing education classes (ACE). These programs provide
inmates with an opportunity to earn a high school equivalency credential, learn functional skills, obtain
marketable job skills, and acquire self-improvement skills.
Literacy
With few exceptions, inmates who do not have a high school diploma or a GED credential must
participate in a literacy program for a minimum of240 instructional hours or until they earn aGED
credential. For inmates to receive job pay promotions above the entry level, they must have a high
school diploma or a GED credential.
In 1997, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (VCCLEA) and the Prison Litigation
Reform Act (PLRA) were implemented. The laws require inmates who lack a high school diploma to
participate in a GED credential program in order to be eligible to earn and vest the maximum amount
of good conduct time.
Inmates who have a literacy problem should address their issues in the following manner: 1) Speak to
an education technician during open house; 2) See the Education Supervisor during mainline;
3) Send an Inmate Request to Staff Member to the Education supervisor or an e-mail to the education
mailbox.
English as-a-Second Language
The English as-a-Second Language (ESL) program enables inmates with limited English proficiency
to improve their English language skills.
The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1990 mandates non-English proficient inmates participate
in an ESL program until they pass competency skills tests at the eighth-grade level.
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Occupational Education
Inmates have access to a wide range of occupational training programs which provide the opportunity
to obtain marketable skills. Course offerings are based on general labor market conditions, institution
labor force needs, and vocational training needs of inmates.
Current programs include "live work," which contributes significantly to the operation and
maintenance of institutions, and community service projects, which provide actual hands-on work
experiences to the inmates. Course offered include basic carpentry, cabinet making, computer aided
drafting, masonry, and machine shop vocational training. Additionally, apprenticeship programs
which are registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, United States Department of
Labor are offered.
Post Secondary Education
General education college courses are primarily completed through correspondence courses.
However, inmates must pay for their own tuition, books, and materials for all post-secondary courses.
Prior approval for all courses must be received by Education Department staff.
Adult Continuing Education
Adult Continuing Education (ACE) activities are formal instructional classes designed to enrich
inmates' general knowledge in a wide variety of subjects. ACE courses are taught by inmates with
staff oversight.
Parenting
The parenting program is designed to help inmates maintain family ties and parental bonds during
incarceration. Parenting related activities include parenting education, community based social
services, and parent/child visiting room activities.
Release Preparation
The release preparation program assists inmates with specific and broad-based preparation for release
back into society. Inmates can learn resume writing, interview skills, job search and retention skills.
Mock Job Fairs provide realistic experiences for those inmates nearing release.
Inmate Library Services
A general library includes a variety of magazines, newspapers, reference materials, and fictional and
nonfiction books necessary for meeting inmates' educational, cultural, and leisure needs. An
interlibrary loan program exists to enhance general library services.
Inmates are afforded the opportunity to prepare legal documents and reasonable access to legal
materials via law libraries. Law libraries contain required legal publications, general legal reference
materials, and a selection of Bureau of Prisons policies so inmates can conduct legal research.
Facilities
The Facilities department consists of a variety of details that are responsible for maintenance and
construction, the details are as follows:
Maintenance Shops: these shops are responsible for painting, concrete repair, sheet rock repair and
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installation, food service equipment repair, roof repair, window replacement, and repairs to furnishings
of all types.
Electric Shop: Responsible for all electrical repairs from lighting to heavy industrial and electrical
controls.
HVAC Shop: Maintenance, repairs, and installation of all heating and cooling systems as well as
refrigeration systems.
Plumbing Shop: Maintenance, repairs and installation of hot and cold water supply and returns, and
sewage lines. Also, responsible for the installation of all plumbing fixtures.
Landscape: Responsible for the care of all lawns and shrubbery.
Power House: "Camp only" operates steam & hot water boilers, a Bio Mass boiler, chillers, generators,
sewage grinding and pumping equipment, and elevated water tanks. The power house operates 24
hours a day seven days a week.
Trash Crew: "Camp only" must have a current class "B" CDL.
Facilities Hours of operation at the LOW, MEDIUM and CAMP are as follows:
• Facilities AM Work Call 6:45 a.m.
• Facilities Lunch 10:30 a.m. to 11 :45 a.m.
• Facilities PM work call 11 :45 a.m.
• Facilities recall 3 :30 p.m.
Pay scales available: Grade 1, $0.40 per hour
Grade 2, $0.29 per hour
Grade 3, $0.19 per hour
Grade 4, $0.12 per hour
Maintenance pay $5.25 per month
All grades can receive a bonus of up to 50% of your base pay monthly, at the Detail Supervisor's
discretion.
Financial Management
Release Funds: Financial Management Staffwill distribute personal, transportation and gratuity funds
based on documentation obtains from Unit Management. You will be escorted to the Business Office
by R&D staff and where your funds will be issued to you at the time of release.
There is a limit on the amount of funds which can be given out at one time. The amount authorized is
"up to" $500, which includes your gratuity and transportation funds. Anything above that amount
will be sent to your address shortly after your release. If you have a large amount of funds on your
account, we recommend that, at least one month prior to your release date, you prepare a BP-I99 to
yourselfat this address. We will hold the check until your release date, at which time we will give you
the check along with other appropriate funds.
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Food Service
All meals, with the exception of the salad bar, are served by inmate workers for the general population.
No personal dishes, bowls, cups or bottles are allowed in the dining room. However, inmates may
bring in their own bottle of mayonnaise, soy sauce, and/or hot sauce. A piece of fresh fruit is the only
item an inmate may remove from the dining room.
Religious Diets
The Bureau provides inmates requesting a religious diet reasonable and equitable opportunity to
observe their religious dietary practices within the constraints of budget limitations, the secure and
orderly running of the institution, and the Bureau, through a religious diet menu.
Inmates wishing to participate in the religious diet program wi II make this request in writing to the
Religious Services Department.
Meal Schedule
o Early Chow is served at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for Food Service workers.
o Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
o Lunch: Lunch is served from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Lunch at the FPC is from 10:45 a.m. to
11 :45 a.m.)
o Dinner: Dinner is served after the 4:00 p.m. count clears, and lasts for approximately one hour .
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Health Services
Sick Call Procedures
Inmates requesting "Sick-Call" appointment must fill out a Medical Visit form available for pick up
from their Unit Officers as needed. When properly completed, the form will enable the inmates to get
an appointment from their assigned providers. Inmates are assigned a medical provider based on the
last two digits of their Register number (123XX-000). Medical appointments are based on the
problems indicated in the form and in compliance to the guidance issued by the Health Services
Division regarding the triage procedures.
The Medical Visit form must be dropped in a box available in each Health Services Unit (Medium,
Low and Camp). The requests are collected daily between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Medical Visit
requests submitted after the collection time will be processed the following day. Inmates are seen on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for their appointments. As inmates report to the Health
Services for their appointment, a member of the medical staff will request an ID card as proof of
identification and verification. The medical provider will escort each inmate to the examination room
for a medical evaluation.
There will be no medical appointments on Wednesday. Wednesday has been reserved for
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A & 0 examinations, which includes:
Physical examination
Dental Examination
Required Laboratory Tests
Inmate Co-Pay
A Co-payment fee of $2.00 will be charged to the inmate's commissary account through the
TRUF ACS System for all healthcare visits initiated by an inmate, to include both medical and dental
sick call. Preventive healthcare, chronic care appointments, emergency visits, immediately reported
injuries, and provider initiated follow-up appointments will not be charged.
Any grievances with the co-payment assessment should be addressed with the Health Services
Administrator through the "Inmate Request to Staff". The TRUEFACS system will automatically
deduct or not deduct the funds depending on pay vs. non pay status entered by the Health Services staff
member. Also, the TRUF ACS system also will determine the indigent vs. lack of fund status and
assess charges accordingly.
Over the Counter Medications (OTC's)
Over the counter medications are to be purchased through the Commissary. You are advised to keep
an adequate amount of these medications in case commissary is closed for inventory or other reasons.
Indigent inmates will be required to submit their OTC medications requests by obtaining the indigent
OTC form from the pharmacy on Wednesday at the 7:00 a.m. pill line. Indigent medications will be
dispensed on Wednesday at the 11 :30 a.m. pill line.
Pill / Insulin Line Procedures
Only those medications approved by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) will be dispensed at this
facility. No personal medications may be sent into this facility nor can they be brought from home
even upon the advice of the inmate's private physician.
Provisions for inmate access to prescribed medication is made through the use of scheduled "pill
lines", An 1.0. card is required to receive medications. Pill lines are held at the pharmacy window
which is located in the Health Services Department, and the hours are specified as follows:
MEDIUM/LOW
MONDA Y TO FRIDAY
INSULIN LINE (Medium) 6:30 - 7:00 a.m. (or as announced in the compound)
INSULIN LINE (Low) 6:00 - 6:30 a.m.
MORNING PILL LINE 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. (Pill line other than INSULIN LINE)
NOON PILL LINE 11 :30-12:30 noon
(or until mainline is closed) *Also medication pick up
PM PILL LINE 8:00 - 7:30 p.m. (no exceptions)
PM INSULIN LINE starts after the 4:00 p.m. count and will be announced
WEEKENDS / HOLIDA YS
INSULIN LINE (Medium) 7:30 a.m. (Until close ofmainline)Jollowed immediately by
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regular medication line
INSULIN LINE (Low) 7:00-7:30 a.m.
** NOTE ** The 1 1:3 0 a.m. Pi1l-line is the ONLY time medication is available for pick-up. **
** An earlier or later pill line hour may be implemented as deemed necessary (e.g., one
medical provider can be in the middle of an emergency).
CAMP:
INSULIN LINE 6:00-6: 15 a.m.
MORNING PILL LINE 6: 15-6:30 a.m.
EVENING PILL LINE 5:00- 5:30 p.m.
No Shows and Refusals
Although inmates are not required to take any pill line medication or insulin, they are required to report
at the appropriate time to the respective line. If an inmate comes to pill or insulin line but refuses their
medication, they will be required to sign a refusal form.
Inmates can submit a refill request by filling out a Medication Refill form available from the Pharmacy
window. The form should be filled out completely. Attaching the labels of the vials can be
acceptable, especially if inmates have difficulty reading or writing. Refills are available for pick up
on the following day at 11 :30 a.m. pill line.
Medical Emergencies
Medical emergencies will be determined by the medical staff, but are not limited to "loss of life or
limb" situations. Inmates who become ill during the work day, weekends, or after normal sick-call
hours, should report to their unit officer or their work supervisor. Staffwill notify medical staffabout
the inmate condition. If the inmate provider is available at the time of referral, he/she will triage the
symptoms appropriately; otherwise, a different medical staff may triage the inmate. Inmates will be
considered "Out-of-Bounds", if they appear in the Health Services Unit without the required staff
referral.
Dental Sick Call Procedures
Dental Sick-Call sign-up is available daily, except Wednesdays and weekends. The start of dental
sick call will be announced for inmates to go to the Health Services Unit. Inmates will be provided a
form exclusively for dental sick call use.
Urgent or Emergency Dental Care: After normal work hours or on weekends, emergency care will
normally be evaluated by a clinician and will be referred to the dental officer, as needed. Dental
emergencies during working hours are handled similar to Medical Emergencies
Emergency Dental Care implies evaluation of a problem area, placement of a temporary restoration
(fillings), extraction of a hopeless tooth, and/or treatment of infection with adequate antibiotic
medication. Emergency Dental Care does not include cleaning or permanent fillings of teeth.
Routine Dental Care
Routine Dental Care is provided based upon the availability staff, time and resources. Routine dental
care includes radiographs, oral health instruction, dental prophylaxis (cleaning), amalgam or
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composite restorations, and fabrication of dentures.
Access to routine dental care is controlled through a treatment list. Inmates will be taken from the
chronological Dental Treatment Waiting List. Inmates can request placement on the waiting list by
submitting a cop-out to the Dental Program. The Dental Program will place the inmate on a
chronological list, maintain a copy of the cop-out and return a copy to the inmate for his records.
Your name will be placed on Call-Out as it comes to the top of the list. It is very important that you
carefully check the Daily Change Sheets. If you miss an appointment following your cleaning, you
will be removed from the Treatment Waiting List. You will be placed on the bottom of the list after
submitting another Inmate Request to Staff.
Missed Appointments
Due to the number of inmates requesting medical and dental visits, any inmate who fails to arrive
during open movement will be considered a "no shows" and will have their appointment cancelled and
be subject to disciplinary action. This also applies to inmates on a "Waiting List" status. In case of
the latter, his name will be removed, and/or placed at the end of the list.
Change Sheets (Daily Call-Outs) are to be checked on a daily basis and it is the responsibility of the
inmate to check these daily. It is the inmate responsibility to notify his Unit Officer if a Change Sheet
list is not available in the Unit. Your Unit Officer or work supervisor should call the clinic to inform
the clinician why you have missed your appointment or failed to arrive during the open movement.
Eyeglasses
Due to safety and sanitation concerns, contact lenses are prohibited by FBOP unless 440phthalmologic"
clearance is indicated in the medical record. All inmates needing eyeglasses must be referred to see
the 44Eye Doctor" (optometry) by his provider. Not all inmates who report blurring of vision will be
referred to an optometrist. The medical providers will determine the necessity of the referral and the
severity in the error of refraction.
Inmates are only authorized to have two pairs of eyeglasses in their property. It is required for inmates
to return any broken eyeglasses that were issue by the BOP before receiving the new pair. Personal
eyeglasses can be order from a legitimate outside vendor and not from home. This option is available
in lieu of BOP-issued eyeglasses; however, the eye wear is purchased from the inmate's personal funds
and will be subject to security and medical limitations.
Footwear
The FBOP and OSHA required all inmates to wear steel-toed shoes at work. Inmates with special
medical needs will be evaluated by the medical staff and referred to the staffphysician for evaluation if
needed. All exceptions to this policy must have the signature of the CD, HSA, or ASHA.
Hearing Aids
Inmates found to have hearing deficits, will be referred to a certified audiologist. If audiometric
testing concludes there is sufficient hearing loss requiring a hearing aid, the inmate will be provided a
hearing aid at no cost. Inmates who arrived in the institution with personal hearing aids may be
allowed to retain their hearing aids. Inmates may not purchase a personal hearing aid once they are
committed to the institution.
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Physical Examinations
All inmates arriving at FCC Petersburg will receive a medical screening during the Intake Screening
Procedures in R&D. All newly incarcerated inmates at FBOP or inmates who do not have a current
documented physical examination will be scheduled for an A&O Physical Examination within 14 days
of arrival. For an inmate transferred from another Bureau facility, the medical provider does not need
to complete a new physical examination on an inmate who has had one documented, provided that the
inmate has been in continuous custody and the examination is current and accurate, unless otherwise
clinically indicated. Any other health evaluation will be provided if indicated by completing the
medical visit form.
Inmates under the age of fifty may request a periodic health examination every three years from their
last physical examination, and inmate over the age fifty may request it annually by sUbmitting an
"Inmate Request to Staff" to the Health Services Department.
Inmates being released from federal custody may request a physical examination if they have not had
one within one (1) year prior to the expected date of release. This request should be submitted at least
sixty (60) days prior to the expected date of their release.
Consultants / Non-BOP Medical Staff
The need for an inmate to be seen by a specialist or consultant will be made by the Health Services staff
only. The decision made by the consultants or specialists is only a recommendation and the Clinical
Director along with the Utilization Review Committee reserves the right to agree or disagree.
HIV Information
HIV testing is for the purpose of evaluating an inmate's exposure to the AIDS Virus. This testing is
required for all inmates prior to furlough, half- way house placement, parole or release. Inmates may
request an HIV test due to concerns about previous lifestyles. Submit an Inmate Request To Staff to
Medical Records, ASHA or the HSA. Results of HIV test are confidential. The infectious disease
coordinator will inform the inmates of the test results through the call out system.
Advanced Directives (Living Will)
During life-threatening situations, an inmate can express whether he wants care to be given which will
preserve or extend life. Inmates have the fundamental human right to make a decision relating to their
own care, including the decision to have life-sustaining procedures withheld or discontinued.
However, the Bureau of Prisons remains committed to the principle to provide resuscitative measures
within the correctional setting.
Because the institution does not have in-patient services, any inmate wishing to have a Living Will
(notarized Advanced Directive), will be provided with the proper paper work to complete. The
information will be incorporated in their electronic medical records. This information can also be
provided to a local hospital if requested by the attending physician where the inmate is confined;
however, when an inmate is admitted to a local hospital, the policy and directive of the local hospital
regarding Advance Directives will prevail.
The declaration shall be signed by the inmate in the presence of two witnesses. This directive may be
revoked at any time.
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Early Meal Passes
The Health Services Unit does not issue early chow passes. Inmates with medical conditions that can
restrict them to line up for mainline will be accommodated during the "last call" for mainline.
Inmate Health Care Rights and Responsibilities
While in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons you have the right to receive health care in a
manner that recognizes your basic human rights, and you also accept the responsibility to cooperate
with your health care plans and respect the basic human rights of your health care providers.
Your Health Care Rights Your Responsibilities
I. You have the right to access health care services based on the 1. You have the responsibility to comply with the health care
local procedures at FCC Petersburg. Health services include policies of FCC Petersburg, and follow recommended treatment
medical, dental and all support services. Health Services cannot be plans established for you, by health care providers. You have the
denied due to lack (verified) of personal funds to pay for your care. responsibility to pay an identified fee for any health care encounter
initiated by yourself, excluding emergency care. You will also pay
the fee for the care of any other inmate on whom you intentionally
inflict bodily harm or injury.
2. You have the right to know the name and professional status of 2. You have the responsibility to treat these providers as
your health care providers and to be treated with respect, professionals and follow their instructions to maintain and improve
consideration and dignity. your overall health.
3. You have the right to address any concern regarding your health 3. You have the responsibility to address your concerns in the
care to any member of the institution staff including the physician, accepted format, such as the Inmate Request to Staff Member form,
the Health Services Administrator, members of your Unit Team, the main line, or the accepted Inmate Grievance Procedures.
Associate Warden and the Warden.
4. You have the right to provide the Bureau of Prisons with 4. You have the responsibility to provide the Bureau of Prisons with
Advance Directives or a Living Will that would provide the Bureau accurate information to complete this agreement.
of Prisons with instructions if you are admitted as an inpatient to a
hospital.
5. You have the right to be provided with information regarding 5. You have the responsibility to keep this information confidential.
your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. This includes the right to
be informed of health care outcomes that differ significantly from
the anticil'ated outcome.
6. You have the right to obtain copies of certain releasable 6. You have the responsibility to be familiar with the current policy
portions of your health record. and abide by such to obtain these records.
7. You have the right to be examined in privacy. 7. You have the responsibility to comply with security procedures
should security be required during your examination.
8. You have the right to participate in health promotion and disease 8. You have the responsibility to maintain your health and not to
prevention programs, including those providing education endanger yourself, or others, by participating in activity that could
regarding infectious diseases. result in the spreading or catching an infectious disease.
9. You have the right to report complaints of pain to your health 9. You have the responsibility to communicate with your health
care provider, have your pain assessed and managed in a timely and care provider honestly regarding your pain and your concerns about
medically acceptable manner, be provided information about pain your pain. You also have the responsibility to adhere to the
and pain management, as well as information on the limitations and prescribed treatment plan and medical restrictions. It is your
side effects of pain treatments. responsibility to keep your provider informed of both positive and
negative changes in your condition to assure timely follow up.
10. You have the right to receive prescribed medications and 10. You have the responsibility to be honest with your health care
treatments in a timely manner, consistent with the provider(s), to comply with prescribed treatments and follow
recommendations of the prescribing health care provider. prescription orders. You also have the responsibility not to
provide any other person your medication or other prescribed item.
11.You have the right to be provided healthy and nutritious food. II. You have the responsibility to eat healthy and not abuse or
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FCC Petersburg November 2011
You have the right to instruction regarding a healthy diet. waste food or drink.
12. You have the right to request a routine physical examination, as 12. You have the responsibility to notify medical staff that you wish
defined by Bureau of Prisons' Policy. (If you are under the age of to have an examination.
50, once every three years; if over the age of 50, once a year and
within one year of your release).
13. You have the right to dental care as defined in Bureau of 13. You have the responsibility to maintain your oral hygiene and
Prisons' Policy to include preventative services, emergency care health.
and routine care.
14. You have the right to a safe, clean and healthy environment, 14. You have the responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of
including smoke-free living areas. personal and common areas and safety in consideration of others.
You have the responsibility to follow smoking regulations.
15. You have the right to refuse medical treatment in accordance 15. You have the responsibility to notify health services regarding
with Bureau of Prisons' Policy. Refusal of certain diagnostic tests any ill-effects that occur as a result of your refusal. You also
for infectious diseases can result in administrative action against accept the responsibility to sign the treatment refusal form.
you. You have the right to be counseled regarding the possible
ill-effects of refusing medical treatment.
General Questions
If you have any questions about the level or type of medical care received at this facility, you may
submit a "Inmate Request To Staff'. You may also direct your questions to the CD, HSA, or AHSA,
or submit a grievance thru the Administrative Remedy Process.
Public Notice
FCC Petersburg is accredited by the Joint Commission under Ambulatory Care standards. Joint
Commission standards deal with organization quality, safety-of care issues, and the safety of
environment in which care is provided. The Joint Commission's primary vehicles for providing this
information publicly are Quality Check® and Quality Reports. Quality Check is the Joint
Commission's web site for making available descriptive and performance information about
accredited and non-accredited organizations.
If a concern regarding such matters cannot be resolved through the established processes, you may
send correspondence to the following address: Division of Accreditation Operation, Office of Quality
Monitoring, Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.
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Inmate Services
Commissary:
The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains inmates' monies (Deposit Fund) while incarcerated. The
purpose of the Deposit Fund is to provide inmates the privilege of obtaining merchandise and services
either not provided by the Bureau or a different quality than that provided by the Bureau. An inmate
may use funds in their account to purchase items at the institution commissary, place funds on their
inmate phone account, purchase TRU-Units for their TRULINCS account, or send funds by creating a
BP-199. Inmates may not be in possession of money at FCC Petersburg. Upon release, an inmate
will receive or have mailed home all remaining funds in his account. More information regarding
Release Funds is outlined in the Financial Management Section.
Commissary sales are conducted Monday through Thursday. The shopping rotation and times are
posted on the inmate bulletin boards. It is the inmate's responsibility to know the amount of money
available in his account. Inmates may verify their account balances by utilizing the TRULINCS or the
inmate telephone (l18+PAC).
NOTE: Inmates must have their commissary card in their possession at all times for identification
purposes.
Hobby craft sales will be conducted Thursday after the afternoon census.
Deposits to Commissary Accounts:
U.S. Postal Service
Inmates' families and friends choosing to send inmates funds through the mail must send those funds to
the following address and in accordance with the directions provided below:
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Insert Valid Committed Inmate Name
Insert Inmate Eight-Digit Register Number
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
The deposit must be in the form of a money order made out to the inmate's full committed name and
complete eight-digit register number. Effective December I, 2007, all non-postal money orders and
non-government checks processed through the National Lockbox will be placed on a IS-day hold.
The Bureau of Prisons will return to the sender funds that do not have valid inmate information
provided the envelope has an adequate return address. Personal checks and cash cannot be accepted
for deposit. At no time will funds (i.e., money order, cash, check) be accepted thru the mail at this
institution for deposit in the inmates Commissary account. All funds received in the mail will be
returned to sender with instructions for forwarding funds to the National Lockbox.
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FCC Petersburg November 2011
The sender's name and return address must appear on the upper left-hand corner of the envelope to
ensure that the funds can be returned to the sender in the event that they cannot be posted to the
inmate's account. The deposit envelope must not contain any items intended for delivery to the
inmate. The Bureau of Prisons shall dispose of all items included with the funds.
In the event funds have been mailed but have not been received in the inmate's account and adequate
time has passed for mail service to Des Moines, Iowa, the sender must initiate a tracer with the entity
who sold them the money order to resolve any issues.
Western Union Quick Collect Program
Inmates' families and friends may also send inmates funds through Western Union's Quick Collect
Program. All funds sent via Western Union's Quick Collect will be posted to the inmate's account
within two to four hours, when those funds are sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST (seven days
per week, including holidays). Funds received after 9:00 p.m. EST will be posted by 7:00 a.m. EST
the following morning. Funds sent to an inmate through the Quick Collect Program may be sent via
one of the following ways:
1) At an agent location with cash: The inmate's family or friends must complete a Quick
Collect To find the nearest agent, they may call 1-800-325-6000 or go to
www.westernunion.com.
2) By phone using a credit/debit card: The inmate's family or friends may simply call
1-800-634-3422 and press option 2.
3) ONLINE using a credit/debit card: The inmate's family and friends may go to
www.westernunion.com and select "Quick Collect."
• For each Western Union Quick Collect transaction, the following information must be
provided:
1) Valid Inmate Eight-Digit Register Number (entered with no spaces or dashes) followed
immediately by Inmate's Last Name
2) Committed Inmate Full Name entered on Attention Line
3) Code City: FBOP, DC
• Please note that the inmate's committed name and eight-digit register number must be entered
correctly. If the sender does not provide the correct information, the transaction cannot be
completed. The Code City is always FBOP, DC.
• Each transaction is accepted or rejected at the point of sale. The sender has the sole
responsibility of sending the funds to the correct inmate. If an incorrect register number
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Inmate Information Handbook
FCC Petersburg November 20 II
and/or name are used and accepted and posted to that inmate, funds may not be returned.
Commissary Fund Withdrawals
Requests for Withdrawal of Inmate Personal Funds, BP-199 forms, will be processed weekly by Trust
Fund, Inmate Accounts. Withdrawals are initiated in TRULINCS, Send Funds (BP-199) by the
inmate. When the BP-199 is printed it must be signed by the inmate in staff presence and hand
delivered. The Supervisor of Education approves withdrawal requests for correspondence courses
and materials for approved education programs. Unit Managers will approve all other withdrawal
requests. Only an Associate Warden can approve inmate contributions to recognized charities and
withdrawals exceeding $500.00.
Account Inquiries
Account inquiries may be made through the Inmate Phones or TRULINCS. In addition, requests can
be made by submitting a BP-148 (Inmate Request To Staff) to Unit staff (open house) or Financial
Management.
Spending Limitations
Each month inmates may spend up to an established limit for regular purchases $320.00. Each
account is "validated" monthly, and the spending limit begins all over again. Validation dates are
spaced out using a system linked to inmate registration numbers. To determine your validation date,
you multiply your fifth number of your registration number by three plus one. For example, if your
fifth number is 5, your validation date will be the 16th of every month (5x3+ I). This system enables
spending activities to be equitable among all inmates in the institution.
Laundry and Clothing Operation
The hours of the Laundry facility are posted outside of each Laundry room of the complex.
Inmate Telephone System
I. Inmates must add their contacts in TRULINCS and may place up to thirty phone numbers on their
account.
2. Phone Access Codes are not to be shared and must be kept confidential. Replacement numbers
will not be given until a BP-199 payable to US Treasury for $5.00 is processed.
3. Phone credits are transferred from your commissary account to your telephone account by dialing
118 + your pac number and following the directions on the phone. You can check your commissary
balance by pressing # 1, phone balance by pressing # 2 and transfer funds by pressing #3. Inmates are
restricted to 300 minutes calling per month. This is combined collect and debit calling. Your 300
minutes are reset based on your fifth number of your register number multiplied by three plus one.
This is your validation date. If your fifth number is three you would validate on the tenth day of the
month (3x3+ 1=1 0).
4. Inmates are not permitted to use or possess another inmate's PAC Number or make three way calls,
conference calls or use phone cards. The use of Call Forwarding Services is prohibited. Any phone
abuse or misuse may result in disciplinary actions and loss of phone privileges.
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5. Inmates will be required to register on the Inmate Telephone System utilizing the V-Pin feature prior
to making phone calls. V -PIN is an added security feature that uses a sample of your voice, which
will be collected when you state your name during the registration process. This feature will ensure
that you will be the only person who can utilize your Phone Access Code (PAC) and should alleviate
the chance of another inmate accessing your account. Any inmate not registered will need to notify
staff to be assisted in the registration process.
Hours for telephone operations will be as follows: Unit phones will be available from 4:30 p.m. to
11 :30 p.m. each evening (except during count time). Phones will also be available from 6:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays (except during count time). During daytime hours Monday
through Friday, one unit phone will be available for the p.m. shift, inmates on their regularly scheduled
day-off and inmates on vacation. The appropriate inmates may use these telephones on a first come,
first serve basis, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except count time).
Unit phones will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for use by all
inmates.
TRULINCS
Inmates will access TRULINCS by entering their register number without the hyphen, Phone Access
Code (PAC), Personal Identification Number (PIN) within the 30 second timeframe. TRULINCS
accounts are not to be shared and must be kept confidential.
Inmates are able to perform the following:
-Purchase TRU-Units -Telephone Number List (30)
-Public Messaging (E-Mail) -Portal Mailing List for Labels
-View Account Transactions -Print Services
-Send Funds (BP-199s) -Electronic Law Library
-Contact List Management (100 Total Contacts) -Inmate to Staff Messaging
-E-Mail List (30) -View Local Documents
Psychology
All inmates will be screened by a psychologist during the institution's admission and orientation
program. The screening will include a self-report form followed by an individual interview. If there
is a determined need, services are offered in the areas of substance abuse treatment as well as other
behavioral or emotional problems. Available programming is posted outside of Psychology Services.
Inmates interested in services may submit a request (copout) form to Psychology Services, or talk to a
member of the department in the cafeteria weekdays during mainline.
Sex Offender Management Program
The Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP) at FCC Petersburg was established to assist in
effectively managing the Bureau of Prisons' population of offenders with sex offense histories,
regardless of whether the sexual offense behavior is associated with the inmate's current offense.
SOMPs typically involve assessment/evaluation, treatment, and monitoring/managing components.
The assessment/evaluation component ofSOMP in non-voluntary. Assessment of recidivism risk
will be completed for all inmates with a sexual offending history prior to their release. Sex offender
treatment is a voluntary component ofSOMP. Inmates interested in SOMP treatment should contact
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SOMP staff to discuss their interest. The monitoring/management component ofSOMP is
non-voluntary. Inmates with a sex offense history, who also engage in risk relevant behavior while
incarcerated, may be subject to the development of a Correctional Management Plan (CMP).
CMPs may impose relevant restrictions in the interest of ensuring the good order, discipline and
security of the institution, and/or to protect the public. Risk relevant information obtained from
inmates, or obtained about inmates during the course of their incarceration, is not considered to be
confidential.
Risk relevant information obtained during an inmate's incarceration may be documented in an inmate's
Psychology record, and reviewed in association with formal evaluation procedures utilized in the
determination of whether an individual meets criteria for designation as a Sexually Dangerous Person,
pursuant to the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of2006.
Residential Drug Abuse Program
The ROAP is nine months of intensive treatment, for inmates who meet the diagnostic criteria for
substance abuse or dependence. It follows a modified therapeutic community model which seeks
cooperation and self-disclosure from "community members". Selection of participants is based on
projected release date. Inmates interested in participating are interviewed about 36 months from their
projected release date. New groups or inmates are selected for "new" phases of treatment about every
12-14 weeks (3 to 3 '/2 months). Inmates who successfully complete the 500 hours shall be
recommended for 6 months of RRC placement. To address any concerns, you may submit an Inmate
Request to Staff or attend weekly "Open House." All requests to staff inquiring about a treatment
eligibility interview need to be submitted to the Non-Residential Treatment Specialist, during open
house.
Prevention of Sexually Abusive Behavior
You Have the Right to be Safe from Sexually Abusive Behavior. While you are incarcerated, no
one has the right to pressure you to engage in sexual acts.
You do not have to tolerate sexually abusive behavior or pressure to engage in unwanted sexual
behavior from another inmate or a staff member. Regardless of your age, size, race, ethnicity, gender
or sexual orientation, you have the right to be safe from sexually abusive behavior.
What Can Vou Do To Prevent Sexually Abusive Behavior?
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and others against sexually abusive
behavior:
Carry yourself in a confident manner at all times. Do not permit your emotions (fear/anxiety) to be
obvious to others.
• Do not accept gifts or favors from others. Most gifts or favors come with strings attached to
them.
• Do not accept an offer from another inmate to be your protector.
• Find a staff member with whom you feel comfortable discussing your fears and concerns.
• Be alert! Do not use contraband substances such as drugs or alcohol; these can weaken your
ability to stay alert and make good judgments.
• Be direct and firm if others ask you to do something you don't want to do. Do not give mixed
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messages to other inmates regarding your wishes for sexual activity.
• Stay in well-lit areas of the institution.
• Choose your associates wisely. Look for people who are involved in positive activities like
educational programs, psychology groups, or religious services. Get involved in these
activities yourself.
• Trust your instincts. If you sense that a situation may be dangerous, it probably is. If you fear
for your safety, report your concerns to staff.
Sexual Misconduct (staff only): the use of indecent sexual language, gestures, or sexually oriented
visual surveillance for the purpose of sexual gratification.
An incident is considered Inmate-on-Inmate Abuse/Assault when any sexually abusive behavior
occurs between two or more inmates.
An incident is considered Staff-on-Inmate Abuse/Assault when any sexually abusive behavior is
initiated by a staff member toward one or more inmates. It is also considered Staff-on-Inmate
Abuse/Assault if a staff member willingly engages in sexual acts or contacts that are initiated by an
inmate.
NOTE: Sexual acts or contacts between two or more inmates, even when no objections are raised, are
prohibited acts, and may be illegal. Sexual acts or contacts between an inmate and a staff member,
even when no objections are raised by either party, are always forbidden and illegal. Inmates who
have been sexual assaulted by another inmate or staff member will not be prosecuted or disciplined for
reporting the assault. However, inmates will be penalized for knowingly filing any false report.
How Do You Report an Incident of Sexually Abusive Behavior?
It is important you tell a staff member if you have been sexually assaulted. It is equally important
to inform staff if you have witnessed sexually ab\.!sive behavior. You can tell your Case Manager,
Chaplain, Psychologist, SIS, the Warden or any other staff member you trust.
BO~ staff members are instructed to keep reported information confidential and only discuss it with
the appropriate officials on a need-to-know basis concerning the inmate-victim's welfare and for law
enforcement or investigative purposes. There are other means to confidentiality report sexually
abusive behavior if you are not comfortable talking with staff.
• Write directly to the Warden, Regional Director or Director. You can send the Warden an
Inmate Request to Staff or a letter reporting the sexually abusive behavior. You may also send a letter
to the Regional Director or Director of the Bureau of Prisons. To ensure confidentiality, use special
mail procedures.
• File an Administrative Remedy. You can file a Request for Administrative Remedy (BP-9).
If you determine your complaint is too sensitive to file with the Warden, you have the opportunity to
file your administrative remedy directly with the Regional Director (BP-I 0). You can get the forms
from your Correctional Counselor or other unit staff.
• Write the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) which investigates allegations of staff
misconduct. OIG is a component of the Department of Justice and is not a part of the Bureau of
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Prisons. The address is:
Office of the Inspector General
P. O. Box 27606
Washington, D.C. 20530
Understanding the Investigative Process
Once the sexually abusive behavior is reported, the BOP and/or other appropriate law enforcement
agencies will conduct an investigation.
The purpose of the investigation is to determine the nature and scope of the abusive behavior. You
may be asked to give a statement during the investigation. If criminal charges are brought, you may
be asked to testify during the criminal proceedings.
Counseling Programs for Victims of Sexually Abusive Behavior
Most people need help to recover from the emotional effects of sexually abusive behavior. If you are
the victim of sexually abusive behavior, whether recent or in the past, you may seek counseling and/or
advice from a Psychologist or Chaplain. Crisis counseling, coping skills, suicide prevention, mental
health counseling, and spiritual counseling are all available to you.
Management Program for Inmate Assailants
Anyone who sexually abuses/assaults others while in the custody of the BOP will be disciplined and
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you are an inmate assailant, you will be referred to
Correctional Services for monitoring. You will be referred to Psychology Services for an assessment
of risk and treatment and management needs.
Treatment compliance or refusal will be documented and decisions regarding your conditions of
confinement and release may be effected. If you feel that you need help to keep from engaging in
sexually abusive behaviors, psychological services are available.
Policy Definitions
Prohibited Acts: Inmates who engage in inappropriate sexual behavior can be charged with the
following Prohibited Acts under the Inmate Disciplinary Policy:
Code 101/(A): Sexual Assault
Code 205/(A): Engaging in a Sex Act
Code 206/(A): Making a Sexual Proposal
Code 221/(A): Being in an Unauthorized Area with a Member of the Opposite Sex
Code 300/(A): Indecent Exposure
Code 404/(A): Using Abusive or Obscene Language
Staff Misconduct: The Standards of Employee Conduct prohibit employees from engaging in, or
allowing another person to engage in sexual, indecent, profane or abusive language or gestures, and
inappropriate visual surveillance of inmates. Influencing, promising or threatening an inmate's
safety, custody, privacy, housing, privileges, work detail or program status in exchange for sexual
favors is also prohibited.
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What is sexually abusive behavior? According to federal law (Prison Rape Elimination Act of2003)
sexually abusive behavior is defined as:
Rape: the carnal knowledge, oral sodomy, or sexual assault with an object or sexual fondling of a
person FORCIBLY or against that person's will; the carnal knowledge, oral sodomy, or sexual assault
with an object or sexual fondling of a person not forcibly or against the person's will, where the victim
is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or his/her temporary or permanent mental or
physical incapacity; or the carnal knowledge, oral sodomy, or sexual assault with an object or sexual
fondling of a person achieved through the exploitation of the fear or threat of physical violence or
bodily injury.
Carnal Knowledge: contact between the penis and vulva or the penis and the anus, including
penetration of any sort, however sl ight.
Oral Sodomy: contact between the mouth and the penis, the mouth and the vulva, or the mouth and the
anus.
Sexual Assault with an Object: the use of any hand, finger, object, or other instrument to penetrate,
however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person (NOTE: This does NOT
apply to custodial or medical personnel engaged in evidence gathering or legitimate medical treatment,
nor to health care provider's performing body cavity searches in order to maintain security and safety
within the prison).
Sexual Fondling: the touching of the private body parts of another person (including the genitalia,
anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks) for the purpose of sexual gratification.
What Can You Do if You Are Afraid or Feel Threatened?
If you are afraid or feel you are being threatened or pressured to engage in sexual behaviors, you should
discuss your concerns with staff. Because this can be a difficult topic to discuss, some staff, like
psychologists, are specially trained to help you deal with problems in this area.
If you feel immediately threatened, approach any staff member and ask for assistance. It is part of
his/her job to ensure your safety. If it is a staff member that is threatening you, report your concerns
immediately to another staff member you trust, or follow the procedures for making a confidential
report.
What Can You Do if You Are Sexually Assaulted?
If you become a victim ofa sexually abusive behavior, you should report it immediately to staff who
will offer you protection from the assailant. You do not have to name the inmate(s) or staff
assailant(s) in order to receive assistance, but specific information may make it easier for staff to know
how best to respond. You will continue to receive protection from the assailant, whether or not you
have identified him or her (or agree to testify against him/her).
After reporting any sexual assault, you will be referred immediately for a medical examination and
clinical assessment. Even though you many want to clean up after the assault it is important to see
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medical staff BEFORE you shower, wash, drink, eat, change clothing, or use the bathroom.
Medical staff will examine you for injuries which mayor may not be readily apparent to you. They
can also check you for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, if appropriate, and gather any
physical evidence of assault. The individuals who sexually abuse or assault inmates can only be
disciplined and/or prosecuted if the abuse is reported. Regardless of whether your assailant is an
inmate or a staff member, it is important to understand that you will never be disciplined or
prosecuted for being the victim of a sexual assault.
Recreation
Recreation is considered an essential part of the overall mission. Our recreation leisure time programs
are designed to achieve the following objectives:
1. Build morale
2. Provide for constructive use of leisure time
3. Promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles
4. Introduce new ideas and behavior patterns
5. Provide a guide to community life through highly structured programs
Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for each individual facility and/or programming area will be posted on bulletin
boards located in that area.
Facilities
We have the following facilities: Gymnasium, outdoor weightlifting pavilion, athletic fields,
handball & racquetball court, tennis court, bocce ball court, and walking track area.
Leisure Programs & Intramural Leagues
The recreation program located here at Petersburg offers both structured and leisure time activities.
Additionally, our department offers organized intramural leagues throughout the calendar year to
include following sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, and Flag Football. All intramural
teams are organized by housing units.
We offer additional programs in the following areas: Institutional Movie Program, Inmate Photo
Program, Band & Music Program, activities on recognized Federal Holidays, and various other
programs.
Hobby Craft Program
The hobby craft programs include the following activities such as drawing, painting, leather
craft kits, crochet, and cross stitch. All completed projects will be mailed home through the
Recreation Department. Inmates will store all hobby shop raw materials in lockers provided in the
hobby shop. Participants must purchase a combination lock from the Commissary to place on their art
and hobby craft locker. Sharing of hobby craft materials or a locker with another inmate is prohibited.
All projects must be disposed of within thirty days after completion. Art and hobby craft items will be
mailed at your expense to immediate family members or approved visitors only. Sales of art or hobby
craft items will are prohibited at the Complex. Inmates are not allowed to have completed projects in
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their living areas.
General Information
Athletic and music equipment is prohibited as personal property and cannot be retained by inmates.
These items will be provided by and maintained in the Recreation Department. You may purchase
playing cards through the commissary. All other table games and supplies will be made available
through the Recreation Department. In closing, the Recreation Department is committed to providing
a wide variety of programs to meet the diverse needs of the inmate population located here at the
Federal Correctional Complex, Petersburg Virginia.
Religious Services Department
It is the mission of the Religious Services Department, FCC Petersburg, to provide inmates of all
religious faiths with adequate and equitable opportunities to pursue individual religious beliefs and
practices within the parameters of budgetary limitations and the security and orderly running of the
institution. As Chaplains, we are committed to high standards of professionalism and to the
development, implementation and periodic evaluation of inmate religious programs.
We are likewise, dedicated to being available to provide pastoral care as needed. Our mission is
inspired and lived out by the following goals:
1. Provide pastoral care with sensitivity, approachability and availability to inmates and
staff.
2. Ensure impartial religious leadership to meet the diversity of different faith groups.
3. Provide necessary management through administrative techniques.
4. Communicate the mission and goals of the department.
Religious Communities/Programs
1. Asatru 8. Moorish Science 15. Rastafarian
2. Buddhist 9. Mormon 16. Santeria
3. Catholic 10. Nation of Islam 17. Seventh Day Adventist
4. Messianic 11. Native American 18. Sunni Muslim
5. Hebrew Israelite 12. Orthodox 19. Spanish Protestant
6. Jehovah Witness 13. Pentecostal 20. Wicca
7. Jewish 14. Protestant
Re-entry Programs
Life Connection/ Thresholds Programs - These are re-entry programs offered at the Complex. If you
are interested please see a Chaplain for more information.
Staff chaplains, contract employees, and volunteers are available to represent the various inmate faith
communities. Information concerning religious issues, programs or activities are discussed during
orientation by the chaplains. A weekly schedule of activities is posted in all units and departments
throughout the institution. If your faith group is not listed on the Religious Services weekly schedule,
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then please write a Request to Staff and directed to the Chaplain. Congregational prayer by any faith
group is ONLY authorized in the Chapel. In this instance, congregational prayer is any prayer
involving more than two persons. Congregational prayer is not authorized in education, recreation,
work details, or the housing units.
UNICOR
The Federal Correctional Complex, Petersburg (Medium) houses the Distribution Center which
became operational in January 2004 and Pro-Mail which began early March 2004. Pro-Mail is an
internet program used between FCC Petersburg Distribution Center and the Federal Retirement Thrift
Investment Board. The system communicates the status ofTSP inventory, tracks the status of
production orders and allows TSP to monitor when material has been shipped from our location and
the mode of transportation of the shipment. The Distribution Center ships orders to various Federal
agencies, ships UNICOR catalogs to various government and private vendors that are in partnership
with the Federal Prison Industries, and handles bulk mailings for our Corporate Marketing Group in
Washington, DC. FCC Petersburg Distribution Center also receives, sorts, and repackages at least 48
different styles of clothing hangers for a private vendor. In addition, the Distribution Center
assembles toiletry kits (administrative kits), for inmates as well as for other government agencies.
The factory is also responsible for the Inmate Boot Program. The Federal Correctional Complex,
Petersburg (Low) houses the UNICOR Print Plant. The Print Plant is a full service printer for the
United States Federal Government.
The Print Plant produces a variety of printings ranging from single color QA tags to four-color process
brochures, and everything in between. UNICOR prints for a broad range of Federal Agencies.
The grades range from grade 5 through grade 10 (premium). The hourly earnings begin at $0.23 and
top out at $1.15. The premium consideration is $0.20 extra per hour.
Inmates should request an application to work in UNICOR from a UNICOR representative during
mainline. UNICOR staff will place the inmate on the UNICOR waiting list based on certain criteria.
The criteria is divided into three categories:
1. Previous UNICOR Employment
2. Financial Obligations (FRP)
3. No UNICOR Experience (General)
UNICOR staff are available daily at the dining hall, during the noon meal, for inmates to review their
status and placement on the waiting list.
Unit Management
Unit Team is a management concept used by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to place staff in direct
proximity to inmates assigned to their unit. Each Unit Team includes a Unit Manager, Case Manager,
Correctional Counselor, Secretary, and a Unit Officer. A Psychologist, and an Education Advisor is
also available. The Unit Team staff offices are ordinarily located in the inmate living unit so staff and
inmates can be accessible to each other. The Unit Team is available to help with planning,
developing, and coordinating individual programs tailored to meet the needs of each inmate. The Unit
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Team will also assist the inmate with parole matters, release planning, personal and family problems,
and counseling.
A member of the Unit Team will be at the institution weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and during
the day on weekends and holidays. The Unit Team work schedule also provides a team member to be
available at times when inmates are not at work. The Unit Team's work schedule is posted on the unit
bulletin board.
Each inmate will be initially classified by his Unit Team within 28 days of his arrival at this Institution.
After initial classification, Program Review meetings will be scheduled by the Unit Team every 90 to
180 days depending on the amount of time remaining on an inmate's sentence. At initial
classification; program goals will be established, educational enrollment, participation and progress
will be examined, release plans will be discussed and other pertinent information concerning your
sentence, work assignment and security level will be reviewed. If an inmate has problems or matters
of interest, he may address these concerns to Unit Staff.
Town Hall meetings are held periodically by the Unit Staff to encourage communication. Discussions
regarding changes in policies and procedures will be conducted. You are encouraged to ask pertinent
questions. Your questions should pertain to the unit as a whole rather than personal questions or
problems.
Treaty Transfer for Non-US Inmates
Inmates who are not U.S. citizens may be eligible for a transfer to their home country to serve the
remainder of their sentence. This is possible for inmates whose country has a formal prisoner
exchange treaty with the United States.
The Unit Team will provide information about these transfers and will inform an inmate if their home
country has a formal exchange treaty with the United States.
Release Planning
The Release Preparation Program's (RPP) is designed to prepare each inmate to re-enter the
community successfully and particularly, the work force. Inmates will be given aid in developing
plans for their personal lives and work. These programs offer classes and information seminars
concerning the personal, social, and legal responsibilities of civilian life. Quarterly scheduled
information sessions with U. S. Probation Officers, halfway house representative and other agencies
are presented. Participation begins 18-24 months to 30 months prior to release. The program
includes completion of one class in each of the following areas: health, employment, community
resources, personal growth and development, personal finance, and release requirements.
Inmates who refuse to complete any course within the core curriculum recommended by the Unit Team
will be considered as refusing program participation. Accordingly, any inmate who refuses to
participate in the Release Preparation Program will not ordinarily participate in community based
programs (i.e. Residential Re-entry Center placement).
Residential Re-Entry Center placement
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Residential Re-entry Centers, commonly referred to as "halfway houses", provide suitable residence,
structured programs, job placement, and counseling, while the inmates' activities are closely
monitored.
An inmate's case is reviewed for consideration for placement in a Residential Re-entry Center
Placement 17-20 months prior to their release date. Once the release address is approved, the RRC
referral packet is ordinarily submitted to the Community Corrections Office II to 13 months prior to
the inmate's projected release date.
Mandatory DNA Collection
Statutory Provisions: Public Law No. 106-546, Section 3, 114 Stat. 2726 (December 19,2000) requires
a mandatory condition of supervision that the defendant cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample
for any qualifying offense. 18 U.S.C. 3563 (a)(9). The Justice for All Act of2004 (Public Law
108-405 (October 30,2004), amended 42 U.S.C. 14135a(d)(l) and provided that qualifying offenses
include: I) Any felony, 2) Any Offense under chapter 109A of Title 18, United States Code, 3) Any
crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of Title 18, United States Code, and 4) Any
attempt or conspiracy to commit any aforementioned offense. DNA sample collection will ordinarily
be taken prior to your release from custody.
Inmate Financial Responsibility Program
The Federal Bureau of Prisons works closely with the Administrative Office of the Courts and the
Department of Justice. The Bureau administers a systematic payment program for court imposed
fines, fees, and costs. All designated inmates are encouraged to develop a financial plan to meet their
financial obligations. These obligations may include: special assessments imposed under 18 USC
3013, court ordered restitution, fines and court costs,judgments in favor of the U.S., other debts owed
the federal government, and other court ordered obligations (e.g., child support, alimony, other
judgments).
Unit Staff assist the inmate with financial planning, but the inmate is responsible for making all
payments required, either from earnings within the institution, or from outside resources. The inmate
must provide documentation of compliance and payment to the Unit Team. If an inmate refuses to
meet his obligations, the inmate cannot work in UNICOR, and can only receive maintenance pay of
$5.25 per month.
The status of any financial plan will be included in all progress reports, and will be considered by staff
when determining security/custody level, job assignments, eligibility for community activities, and
institution programs. The U.S. Parole Commission will also review financial responsibility progress
at parole hearings. .
Job Assignments
All inmates are expected to maintain a regular job assignment. Job assignments are controlled
through the performance pay system, which provides monetary payment for work within the institution
or at Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR).
Institution maintenance jobs are usually the first assignment an inmate receives. These jobs include
work in Food Service, Mechanical Services, or as a Unit Orderly. Job assignments are made by the
Unit Counselors. Inmates can request job assignments every 90 days. All job assignments and
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changes are noted on the daily change sheet posted on every unit bulletin board.
Marriages
If an inmate wished to be married while incarcerated, the Warden may authorize him to do so, under
certain conditions.
All expenses of the marriage will be paid by the inmate. Government funds may not be used for
marriage expenses.
If an inmate request permission to marry, he must:
• Have a letter from the intended spouse which verifies her intention to marry.
• Demonstrate legal eligibility to marry.
• Be mentally competent.
Intake Screening
Upon an inmate's arrival at an institution, Unit Management, Health Services and Psychology staffwill
screen the inmate for suitable placement within the institution.
Dress Code / Sanitation
All inmates will be in the proper uniform, (khaki pants and khaki shirt), Monday thru Friday, between
7:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. at the Medium and Low. The attire for the Camp will be green pants and a
green shirt during Monday thru Friday working hours. The uniform will be maintained in a neat and
professional manner, with shirt tucked in and pants around the waist line. Wearing of pants below the
waist line or leaving the shirt un-tucked may result in disciplinary action.
Other than approved religious headgear, hats will not be worn while indoors. As stated above,
institutional clothing must be worn during working hours, with the following exceptions: (l) after
4:00 p.m. (2) all day on weekends and holidays (3) to, from, on the recreation yard, and during the
breakfast meal and during the evening meal. Specifically, no uniform pants with personal sweat shirts
or vice versa. A personal sweat shirt may be worn under your uniform shirt. Tennis shoes may be
worn during the noon meal. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Hats and non-prescription
sunglasses must be taken-off prior to entering a bUilding. Radio headsets, earpieces, or ear-buds can
only be worn in the Units, or while in Recreation. They cannot be worn inside any other buildings, on
work details, or while going to or from work details or Recreation. They cannot be worn anywhere
outside (except while in Recreation). "Worn" includes on the ears, on the head, or around the neck.
These dress codes are in effect both on the compound and in the dining hall.
Inmates may only wear institution issued clothing, shirts with a collar, pants with belt, underwear,
socks and shoes. Tee shirts will not be worn as outer garments unless authorized during high
temperature on work details. Thermal clothing will not be worn as outer wear at any time. Altered
clothing will not be permitted and will result in an incident report. Only institution shoes and shoes
sold in the Commissary may be worn into the visiting room. The Operations Lieutenant may approve
other shoes in special circumstances, such as an inmate possessing a soft shoe permit pending arrival of
his special medical shoes.
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It is each inmate's responsibility to check his living area immediately after being assigned there, and to
report all damage to the Correctional Officer, Case Manager, or Counselor. An inmate may be held
financially liable for any damage to his personal living area.
Each inmate is responsible for making his bed in accordance with regulations before work call
(including weekends and holidays) when he leaves the area. Each inmate is also responsible for
sweeping and mopping his personal living area, to insure it is clean and sanitary. Lockers must be
neatly arranged inside and out, and all shelving must be neat and clean. No personal items may be
adhered to walls, lockers, under beds, or to the ceiling. Cell windows may not be covered at any time.
Unit Orderlies are responsible for the unit sanitation. However, everyone is responsible to clean up
after themselves. Inmates may be assigned cleaning tasks in the unit during off duty hours if the need
arises.
Showers are available every day, but inmates may not be in the shower during an official count. Food
service workers and others with irregular work shifts may shower during the day as long as showering
does not interfere with the cleaning of the unit.
During the morning and noon meal on regular work days, inmates entering the dining room are
required to wear institutional issued clothing consisting of a shirt, trousers with belt and shoes. Shirts
will be buttoned, except the collar button, and shirt tails tucked in. Personal tennis shoes, sneakers,
etc., are authorized. Shoes will be laced and tied. Shower shoes, flip-flops, or bedroom slippers are
not permitted in the dining room without medical authorization. Hats will not be worn in the dining
room. Personal sweat shirts may be worn as undergarments only. Inmates who report to the dining
room in inappropriate attire are subject to disciplinary action.
During coffee hour and brunch on weekends and holidays and during all evening meals, inmates
entering the dining room may wear sweat suits. Shorts higher than three inches above the knee are not
authorized to be worn in the dining room. Sleeveless shirts are not authorized to be worn in the dining
room at any time (i.e., basketball jerseys, tank tops, etc.)
Inmate Discipline
It is the policy of the Bureau of Prisons to provide a safe and orderly environment for all inmates.
Violations of Bureau rules and regulations are dealt with by the Unit Discipline Committee (UDC), and
for more serious violations, the Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO). Inmates are advised upon arrival
at the institution of the rules and regulations, and are provided with copies of the Bureau's prohibited
acts, as well as local regulations.
If a staff member observes or believes he/she has evidence an inmate has committed a prohibited act,
the first step in the disciplinary process is writing an incident report. This is a written copy of the
charges against the inmate. The incident report shall ordinarily be delivered to the inmate within
twenty-four (24) hours of the time staff become aware of the inmate's involvement in the incident or
once the report is released for administrative processing following a referral for criminal prosecution.
An informal resolution of the incident may be attempted by the Correctional Supervisor.
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Initial Hearing
Inmates must ordinarily be given an initial hearing within (5) work days of the time staff become aware
of the inmate's involvement in the incident, excluding the day staff became aware of the incident,
weekends, and holidays. The inmate is entitled to be present at the initial hearing. The inmate may
make statements or present documentary evidence in his behalf. The UDC must give its decision in
writing to the inmate by the close of business the next work day. The UDC may extend the time limits
of these procedures for good cause. The Warden must approve any extension over five (5) days, and
the inmate must be provided with written reasons for any extension. The UDC will either make a final
disposition of the incident, or refer it to the Discipline Hearing Officer for final disposition.
Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO)
The Discipline Hearing Officer conducts disciplinary hearings on serious rule violations. The DHO
may not act on a case that has not been referred by the UDC. The Captain of the SHU Lieutenant
conducts periodic reviews of inmates in the special housing unit. An inmate will be provided with
advance written notice of the charges not less than 24 hours before the inmate's appearance before the
DHO. The inmate may waive this requirement. He will be provided with a full-time staff member of
his choice to represent him if requested. He may make statements in his own defense and may
produce documentary evidence.
The inmate may present a list of witnesses and request they testify at the hearing. Inmates may not
question a witness at the hearing, however, the staff representative and/or the DHO will question any
witness for the inmate. An inmate may submit a list of questions for the witnesses to the DHO if there
is no staff representative. The DHO will request a statement from all unavailable witnesses whose
testimony is deemed relevant. The inmate may make statements in his own defense and may produce
documentary evidence. The inmate may be present throughout the DHO hearing, except during
deliberations. The inmate charges may be excluded during appearance of outside witnesses or when
institution security could be jeopardized. The DHO may postpone or continue a hearing for good
cause. Reasons for the delay must be documented in the record of the hearing. Final disposition is
made by the DHO.
NOTE: Time limits are subject to exceptions as provided in the rules.
Staff may suspend disciplinary proceedings for a period not to exceed two calendar weeks while
undertaking informal resolution. If informal resolution is unsuccessful, staff may reinitiate
disciplinary proceedings. The requirements then begin running at the same point at which they were
suspended.
Appeals of Disciplinary Actions
Appeals of all disciplinary actions may be made through Administrative Remedy Procedures. UDC
appeals are made to the Warden on the BP-9 from after Attempting Informal Resolution. DHO
appeals are made to the Regional Director on a BP-l 0 form. On appeal, the following items will be
considered:
~ Whether the UDC or DHO substantially complied with the regulations on inmate discipline.
~ Whether the UDC or DHO based its decisions on substantial evidence.
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~ Whether an appropriate sanction was imposed according to the severity level of the prohibited
act.
Prohibited Acts and Disciplinary Scale
There are four categories of prohibited acts - Greatest, High, Moderate, and Low. We describe the
prohibited acts in Table 1 - Prohibited Acts and Available Sanctions. If you commit repetitive
prohibited acts, we can impose increased sanctions, as listed in Table 2 - Additional Available
Sanctions for Repeated Prohibited Acts within the Same Severity Level.
(1) Greatest Severity Level Offenses. The Discipline Hearing Officer (DHO) imposes one or
more of sanctions A through E. Sanction B.l must be imposed for a VCCLEA inmate rated "violent"
(an inmate who, per the Violent Crime Control and Low Enforcement Act of 1994, committed a crime
of violence on or after September 13, 1994) and for a PLRA inmate (an inmate sentenced for an offense
committed on or after April 26, 1996, per the Prison Litigation Reform Act). The DHO may impose
any available sanctions (A through M) in addition to sanctions A through E. All Greatest severity
level charges must be referred to the DHO.
(2) High Severity Level Offenses. The DHO imposes one or more of sanctions A through M, and
except as noted in the sanction, may also suspend one or more sanctions A through M. Sanction B.l
must be imposed for a VCCLEA inmate rated "violent" and for a PLRA inmate. All High severity
level charges must be referred to the DHO.
Prohibited Act Code 225, Stalking, is for the purpose of punishing repetitive inmate behavior, e.g.,
loitering, staring, leering, inappropriate remarks (short of insolence, profanity, or sexual proposals),
that are not clearly covered by another prohibited act code. When staff encounters such behavior, the
inmate should be specifically warned that it is inappropriate and must cease.
If the behavior fits another prohibited act code provision, the inmate should be charged with violating
that specific provision instead of stalking. Examples of other prohibited act code behavior that may
be used instead of Code 225, Stalking, include, but are not limited to Insolence (Code 312), Being in an
Unauthorized Area (Code 316), Threatening (Code 203), and Making a Sexual Proposal or Threat
(Code 206).
(3) Moderate Severity Level Offenses. The DHO imposes at least one sanction A through M, but,
except as noted in the sanction, may suspend any sanction(s) imposed. Sanction B.l ordinarily must
be imposed for a VCCLEA inmate rated "violent" and for a PLRA inmate.
Except for charges referred to the DHO, the Unit Discipline Committee (UDC) shall impose at least
one sanction F through M, but may suspend any sanction(s) imposed.
The UDC ordinarily refers to the DHO a moderate severity level charge for a VCCLEA inmate rated
"violent" or for a PLRA inmate if the inmate was found to have committed two moderate offenses
during his/her current anniversary year (the 12-month period for which an inmate may be eligible to
earn good conduct time [GCT]). The UDC must document the reasons why a third charge for such an
inmate was not referred to the 0 H O.
A prohibited act charge for 331 involving tobacco or nutritional supplements must be referred to the
DHO for final disposition.
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(4) Low Severity Level Offenses. The DHO imposes at least one sanction B.l, or D through M.
The DHO may suspend any sanction(s) imposed; however, a B.l sanction may not be suspended.
Except for charges referred to the DHO, the UDC imposes at least one sanction F through M, but may
suspend any sanction(s) imposed.
The UDC ordinarily refers to the DHO a low severity level charge for a VCCLEA inmate rated
"violent" or for a PLRA inmate if the inmate had been found to have committed three low offenses
during hislher current anniversary year. The UDC must document the reasons why a charge for such
an inmate was not referred to the DHO.
Sanction B.1may be imposed on the Low severity level only if the inmate has committed a Low
severity level prohibited act more than once within a six-month period (except for a VCCLEA inmate
rated "violent" or a PLRA inmate).
All Severity Level Offenses. In all categories of severity, aiding another person to commit any of
these offenses, attempting to commit them, or making plans to commit them, is considered
equivalent to committing the offense itself. In these cases, the letter "A" is combined with the
offense code. For example, planning an escape is Escape, Code 102A. Attempting to adulterate food
or drink is Code 209 A.
Suspensions of any sanction cannot exceed six months. Suspended sanctions may only be revoked
and executed if the inmate is found to have committed a subsequent prohibited act. Only the DHO
may execute, suspend, or revoke and execute susp,ension of Sanctions A through E (B and B/l may
never be suspended). The DHO or UDC may execute, suspend, or revoke and execute suspensions of
sanctions F through M. The DHO may execute UDC - suspended sanctions. However, the UDC
may not execute DHO - suspended sanctions A through E.
When an inmate receives an incident report while on a DHO - imposed, but suspended sanction, the
new incident report is forwarded by the UDC to the DHO, both for a final disposition on the new
incident report, and for a disposition on the suspended sanction. This procedure is not necessary when
the UDC informally resolves the new incident report. The DHO may return an incident report to the
UDC if a decision not to execute the suspended sanction is made.
The UDC or DHO may impose increased sanctions for repeated, frequent offenses per the guidelines in
Table 2.
Not all UDC or DHO decisions finding an inmate committed a prohibited act will result in a change to
the inmate's security designation score, the Unit Team may recommend a greater security transfer,
using their professional judgment, and in accordance with the policy on Inmate Security Designation
and Custody Classification.
Code Prohibited Act - Greatest Severity Sanction(s)
100 Killing A. Recommend parole date rescission or
retardation.
101 Assaulting any person, or an anned assault on the B. Forfeit and/or withhold earned statutory
institution's secure perimeter (a charge for assaulting any good time or non-vested good conduct time
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person at this level is to be used only when serious (up to 100%) andlor tenninate or disallow
physical injury has been attempted or accomplished). extra good time (an extra good time or good
conduct time sanction may not be
suspended).
102 Escape from escort; escape from any secure or non-secure B.I Disallow ordinarily between 50% and 75%
institution, including community confinement; escape (27-41 days) of good conduct time credit
from unescorted community program or activity; escape available for year (a good conduct time
from outside a secure institution. sanction may not be suspended).
103 Setting a fire (charged with this act in this category only C. Disciplinary segregation (up to 12 months).
when found to pose a threat to life or a threat of serious
bodily hann or in furtherance of a prohibited act of
Greatest Severity, e.g., in furtherance of a riot or escape;
otherwise the charge is properly classified Code 218, or
329).
104 Possession, manufacture, or introduction of a gun, D. Make monetary restitution.
firearm, weapon, sharpened instrument, knife, dangerous
chemical, explosive, ammunition, or any instrument used
as a weapon.
105 Rioting E. Monetary fine.
106 Encouraging others to riot F. Loss of privileges (e.g., visiting, telephone,
commissary, movies, recreation).
107 Taking hostage(s) G. Change housing (quarters).
108 Possession, manufacture, introduction, or loss of a H. Remove from program andlor group
hazardous tool (tools most likely to be used in an escape activity.
or escape attempt or to serve as weapons capable of doing
serious bodily hann to others; or those hazardous to
institutional security or personal safety; e.g., hacksaw
blade, body annor, maps, handmade rope, or other escape
paraphernalia, portable telephone, pager, or other
electronic device).
109 (Not to be used) I. Loss of job.
110 Refusing to provide a urine sample; refusing to breathe J. Impound inmate's personal property.
into a Breathalyzer; refusing to take part in other
drug-abuse testing.
III Introduction or making of any narcotics, marijuana, drugs, K. Confiscate contraband.
alcohol, intoxicants, or related paraphernalia, not
prescribed for the individual by the medical staff.
112 Use of any narcotics, marijuana, drugs, alcohol, L. Restrict to quarters.
intoxicants, or related paraphernalia, not prescribed for
the individual by the medical staff.
113 Possession of any narcotics, marijuana, drugs, alcohol, M. Extra duty.
intoxicants, or related paraphernalia, not prescribed for
the individual by the medical staff.
114 Sexual assault of any person, involving non-consensual
touching by force or threat of force.
115 Destroying andlor disposing of any item during a search
or attempt to search.
196 Use of the mail for an illegal purpose or to commit or
further a Greatest category prohibited act.
197 Use of the telephone for an illegal purpose or to commit or
further a Greatest category prohibited act.
198 Interfering with a staff member in the perfonnance of
duties most like another Greatest severity prohibited act.
This charge is to be used only when another charge of
Greatest severity is not accurate. The offending conduct
must be charged as "most like" one of the listed Greatest
severity prohibited acts.
199 Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the security or
orderly running of the institution or the Bureau of Prisons
most like another Greatest severity prohibited act. This
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charge is to be used only when another charge of Greatest
severity is not accurate. The offending conduct must be
charged as "most like" one of the listed Greatest severity
prohibited acts.
Code Prohibited Act - High Severity Sanction(s)
200 Escape from a work detail, non-secure institution, or other A. Recommend parole date rescission or
non-secure confinement, including community retardation.
confinement, with subsequent voluntary return to Bureau
of Prisons custody within four hours.
201 Fighting with another person. B. Forfeit and/or withhold earned statutory
good time or non-vested good conduct time
up to 50% or up to 60 days, whichever is
less, and/or terminate or disallow extra
good time (an extra good time or good
conduct time sanction may not be
suspended).
202 (Not to be used). B.l Disallow ordinarily between 25% and 50%
(14-27 days) of good conduct time credit
available for year (a good conduct time
sanction may not be suspended).
203 Threatening another with bodily harm or any other C. Disciplinary segregation (up to 6 months).
offense.
204 Extortion; blackmail; protection; demanding or receiving D. Make monetary restitution.
money or anything of value in return for protection against
others, to avoid bodily harm, or under threat of informing.
205 Engaging in sexual acts. E. Monetary fine.
206 Making sexual proposals or threats to another. F. Loss of privileges (e.g., visiting, telephone,
commissary, movies, recreation).
207 Wearing a disguise or a mask. G. Change housing (quarters).
208 Possession of any unauthorized locking device, or lock H. Remove from program and/or group
pick, or tampering with or blocking any lock device activity.
(includes keys), or destroying, altering, interfering with,
improperly using, or damaging any security device,
mechanism, or procedure.
209 Adulteration of any food or drink. I. Loss of job.
210 (Not to be used). J. Impound inmate's personal property.
211 Possessing any officer's or staff clothing. K. Confiscate contraband.
212 Engaging in or encouraging a group demonstration. L. Restrict to quarters.
213 Encouraging other to refuse to work, or to participate in a M. Extra duty.
work stoppage.
214 (Not to be used).
215 (Not to be used).
216 Giving or offering an official or staff member a bribe, or
anything of value.
217 Giving money to, or receiving money from, any person for
the purpose of introducing contraband or any other illegal
or prohibited purpose.
218 Destroying, altering, or damaging government property,
or the property of another person, having a value in excess
of$100, or destroying, altering, damaging life-safety
devices (e.g., fire alarm) regardless of financial value.
219 Stealing; theft (including data obtained through the
unauthorized use of a communications device, or through
unauthorized access to disks, tapes, or computer printouts
or other automated equipment on which data is stored).
220 Demonstrating, practicing, or using martial arts, boxing
(except for use ofa punching bag), wrestling, or other
forms of physical encounter, or military exercises or drill
(except for drill authorized by stam.
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221 Being in an unauthorized area with a person of the
opposite sex without staff penn iss ion.
222 (Not to be used).
223 (Not to be used).
224 Assaulting any person (a charge at this level is used when
less serious physical injury or contact has been attempted
or accomplished by an inmate).
225 Stalking another person through repeated behavior which
harasses, alanns, or annoys the person, after having been
previously warned to stop such conduct.
226 Possession of stolen property.
227 Refusing to participate in a required physical test or
examination unrelated to testing for drug abuse (e.g.,
DNA, HIV, tuberculosis).
228 Tattooing or self-mutilation.
229 Sexual assault of any pcrson, involving non-consensual
touching without force or threat of force.
296 Use of the mail for abuses other than criminal activity
which circumvent mail monitoring procedures (e.g., use
of the mail to commit or further a High category
prohibited act, special mail abuse; writing letters in code;
directing others to send, sending, or receiving a letter or
mail through unauthorized means; sending mail for other
inmates without authorization; sending correspondence to
a specific address with directions or intent to have the
correspondence sent to an unauthorized person; and using
a fictitious return address in an attempt to send or receive
unauthorized correspondence).
297 Use of the telephone for abuses other than illegal activity
which circumvent the ability of staff to monitor frequency
of telephone use, contcnt of the call, or the number called;
or to commit or further a Higltcategoryj)rohibited act.
298 Interfering with a staff member in the perfonnance of
duties most like another High severity prohibited act.
This charge is to be used only when another charge of
High severity is not accurate. The offending conduct
must be charged as "most like" one of the listed High
severity prohibited acts.
299 Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the security or
orderly running of the institution or the Bureau of Prisons
most like another High severity prohibited act. This
charge is to be used only when another charge of High
severity is not accurate. The offending conduct must be
charged as "most like" onc of the listed High severity
prohibited acts.
Code Prohibited Act - Moderate Severity Sanction(s)
300 Indecent Exposure. A. Recommend parole date rescission or
retardation.
301 (Not to be used). B. Forfeit and/or withhold earned statutory
good time or non-vested good conduct time
up to 25% or up to 30 days, whichever is
less, and/or tenninate or disallow extra
good time (an extra good time or good
conduct time sanction may not be
suspended).
302 Misuse of authorized medication. B.I Disallow ordinarily up to 25% (1-14 days)
of good conduct time credit available for
year (a good conduct time sanction may not
be suspended).
303 Possession of money or currency, unless specifically c. Disciplinary segregation (up to 3 months).
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authorized, or in excess of the amount authorized.
304 Loaning of property or anything of value for profit or D. Make monetary restitution.
increased return.
305 Possession of anything not authorized for retention or E. Monetary fine.
receipt by the inmate, and not issued to him through
regular channels.
306 Refusing to work or to accept a program assignment. F. Loss of privileges (e.g., visiting, telephone,
commissary, movies, recreation).
307 Refusing to obey an order of any staff member (may be G. Change housing (quarters).
categorized and charged in tenns of greater severity,
according to the nature of the order being disobeyed, e.g.,
failure to obey an order which furthers a riot would be
charged as 105, Rioting; refusing to obey an order which
furthers a fight would be charged as 201, Fighting;
refusing to provide a urine sample when ordered as part of
a drug-abuse test would be charged as 11 O).
308 Violating a condition of a furlough. H. Remove from program and/or group
activity.
309 Violating a condition of a community program. I. Loss of job.
310 Unexcused absence from work or any program 1. Impound inmate's personal property.
assignment.
311 Failing to perfonn work as instructed by the suoervisor. K. Confiscate contraband.
312 Insolence towards a stafT member. L. Restrict to quarters.
313 Lying or providing a false statement to a stafT member. M. Extra duty.
314 Counterfeiting, forging, or unauthorized reproduction of
any document, article of identification, money, security,
or official paper (may be categorized in tenns of greater
severity according to the nature of the item being
reproduced, e.g., counterfeiting release papers to effect
escape, Code 102).
315 Participating in an unauthorized meeting or gathering.
316 Being in an unauthorized area without staff authorization.
317 Failure to follow safety or sanitation regulations
(including safety regulations, chemical instructions, tools,
MSDS sheets, OSHA standards).
318 Using any equipment or machinery without staff
authorization.
319 Using any equipment or machinery contrary to
instructions or posted safety standards.
320 Failing to stand count.
321 Interfering with the taking of count.
322 (Not to be used).
323 (Not to be used).
324 Gambling.
325 Preparing or conducting a gambling pool.
326 Possession of gambling paraphernalia.
327 Unauthorized contacts with the public.
328 Giving money or anything of value to, or accepting money
or anything of value from, another inmate or any other
person without staff authorization.
329 Destroying, altering, or damaging government property,
or the property of another person, having a value of
$100.00 or less.
330 Being unsanitary or untidy; failing to keep one's person or
quarters in accordance with oosted standards.
331 Possession, manufacture, introduction, or loss of a
non-hazardous tool, equipment, supplies, or other
non-hazardous contraband (tools not likely to be used in
an escape or escape attempt, or to serve as a weapon
capable of doing serious bodily hann to others, or not
hazardous to institutional security or personal safety)
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(other non-hazardous contraband includes such items as
food, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, smoking apparatus
and tobacco in any form where prohibited, and
unauthorized nutritional/dietary supplements).
332 Smoking where prohibited.
333 Fraudulent or deceptive completion ofa skills test (e.g.,
cheating on a GED, or other educational or vocational
skills test).
335 Communicating gang affiliation; participating in gang
related activities; possession of paraphernalia indicating
gang affiliation.
336 Circulating a petition.
396 Use of the mail for abuses other than criminal activity
which do not circumvent mail monitoring; or use of the
mail to commit or further a Moderate category prohibited
act.
397 Use of the telephone for abuses other than illegal activity
which do not circumvent the ability ofstafTto monitor
frequency of telephone use, content of the call, or the
number called; or to commit or further a Moderate
category prohibited act.
398 Interfering with a stafT member in the performance of
duties most like another Moderate severity prohibited act.
This charge is to be used only when another charge of
Moderate severity is not accurate. The offending
conduct must be charged as "most like" one of the listed
Moderate severity prohibited acts.
399 Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the security or
orderly running of the institution or the Bureau of Prisons
most like another Moderate severity prohibited act. This
charge is to be used only when another charge of
Moderate severity is not accurate. The offending
conduct must be charged as "most like" one of the listed
Moderate severity prohibited acts.
Code Prohibited Act - Low Severity Sanction(s)
400 (Not to be used). B.l Disallow ordinarily up to 12.5% (1-7 days)
of good conduct time credit available for
year (to be used only where inmate found to
have committed a second violation of the
same prohibited act within 6 months);
Disallow ordinarily up to 2S%{I-14 days)
of good conduct time credit available for
year (to be used only where inmate found to
have committed a third violation of the
same prohibited act within 6 months) (a
good conduct time sanction may not be
suspended).
401 (Not to be used). D. Make monetary restitution.
402 Malingering, feigning illness. E. Monetary fine.
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403 (Not to be used). F. Loss of privileges (e.g., visiting, telephone,
commissary, movies, recreation).
404 Using abusive or obscene language. G. Change housing (quarters).
405 (Not to be used). H. Remove from program and/or group
activity.
406 (Not to be used). I. Loss ofiob.
407 Conduct with a visitor in violations of Bureau regulations. J. Impound inmate's personal property.
408 (Not to be used). K. Confiscate contraband.
409 Unauthorized physical contact (e.g., kissing, embracing) L. Restrict to Quarters.
498 Interfering with a stafT member in the performance of M. Extra duty.
duties most like another Low severity prohibited act.
This charge is to be used only when another charge of
Low severity is not accurate. The offending conduct
must be charged as "most like" one of the listed Low
severity prohibited acts.
499 Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the security or
orderly running of the institution or the Bureau of Prisons
most like another Low severity prohibited act. This
charge is to be used only when another charge of Low
severity is not accurate. The offending conduct must be
charged as "most like" one of the listed Low severity
prohibited acts.
Access to Legal Services
Legal Correspondence
Legal correspondence from attorneys will be treated as "Special mail" if it is properly marked. The
envelope must be marked with the attorney's name and indication he is an attorney and the front of the
envelope must be marked "special mail - open only in the presence of the inmate." It is the
responsibility of the inmate to advise his/her attorney of this policy. If legal mail is not properly
marked, it will be opened as general correspondence.
Attorney Visits
Attorneys should ordinarily make advance appointments for each visit. Attorneys are encouraged to
visit during the regular visiting hours. However, visits from an attorney can be arranged at other times
based on the circumstances of each case and available staff. Attorney visits will be subject to visual
but not audio monitoring.
Notary Public
Under the provisions of 18 USC 4004, Unit Team members are authorized to notarize documents. A
recent change in the law allows that a statement to the effect that papers which an inmate signs as "true
and correct under penalty of perjury" will suffice in federal courts and other federal agencies, unless
specifically directed to do otherwise. Some states will not accept a government notarization for real
estate transactions, automobile sales, etc. In these cases, it will be necessary to contact unit staff for
arrangements with the institution's notary public.
Copies of Legal Materials
In accordance with institution procedures, inmates may copy materials necessary for their research or
legal matters. A copy machine is available in the Education Department's Law Library area for
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inmate use. Individuals who have no funds and who can demonstrate a clear need for particular
copies, may submit a written request for a reasonable amount of free duplication.
Federal Tort Claims
If the negligence of institution staff results in personal injury or property loss or damage to an inmate,
it can be the basis of a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) or small claims. To file a
claim under the FTCA for personal injury, you must complete a standard form 95. To file a request
under small claims for property loss, you must complete a Small Claims Request. You must mail the
form to the regional office where the incident occurred. You may obtain a copy of the forms by
submitting an Inmate Request to Staff to your Correctional Counselor or other designated staff
member.
Tort/Small claims are not accepted for filing at the institution. It is the inmate's responsibility to mail
his claim directly to the Regional Counsel in the regional office havingjurisdiction over the institution
where the loss or injury occurred. For example, if the loss occurred at FCC Petersburg, then the claim
should be mailed to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office.
A copy of the policy statement on tort claims is maintained in the inmate Law Library. Addresses to
all of the regional offices, along with institutions in each region are published in Title 28 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 543. A copy of the CFR is maintained in the Law Library. You may
also obtain addresses to the regional offices from members of your Unit Team.
Inmate Access to Central and Medical Files
An inmate may request review of disclosable portions of his central file (plus presentence report and/or
summary) and medical file prior to the individual's parole hearing. An inmate may also request to
review and receive copies of disclosable documents from his central file or medical files by submitting
a written request to his Unit Team or the medical records technician. This review will be permitted
under procedures established by the Department of Justice.
Inmate Access to Other Documents
An inmate may request access to the "non-disclosable documents" in his central file and medical file, or
other documents concerning himself that are not in his central file or medical file. The request must
be in writing and mailed by the inmate directly to:
Director
Bureau of Prisons
ATTN: FOI Request
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20534
Such a request must briefly describe the nature of records wanted and appropriated dates covered by
the record. The inmate must also provide his register number and date of birth for identification
purposes.
A request on behalf of an inmate by an attorney or any other person, for records concerning the inmate
must be in writing and submitted to the central office address above. The request should not be mailed
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to the institution. The attorney or other person must include with the request the inmate's written
consent or authorization to disclose the requested records.
Freedom of Information/Privacy Act of 1974
The Privacy Act of 1974 forbids the release of information from agency records without a written
request by, or without the prior written consent of the individual to whom the records pertained, except
for specific instances. All formal request for access to records about another person and/or agency
records other than those pertaining to themselves (including Program Statements and Operations
Memoranda) shall be processed through the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC 552.
Administrative Remedies / Problem Resolution
Inmate Request to Staff
The Bureau form BP-Admin-70, commonly called a "cop-out", is used to make a written request to a
staff. Any type of request can be made with this form. It can be obtained in the living units from the
Correctional Officer on duty. Staff members who receive a "cop-out" will answer the request in a
"reasonable" period of time. The answer will be written on the bottom of the request form, or typed on
a separate sheet of paper.
Administrative Remedy Process
The Bureau emphasizes and encourages the resolution of complaints on an informal basis. Hopefully,
an inmate can resolve a problem informally by contact with staff members or formally on a written
Inmate Request to Staff. When informal resolution is not successful; however, a formal complaint
can be filed as an administrative remedy. Complaints regarding tort claims, inmate accident
compensation, freedom of information or privacy act requests, and complaints on behalf of other
inmates are not accepted under the administrative remedy procedure.
The first step of the administrative remedy procedure is the documentation of the informal resolution
attempts written on an Attempt at Informal Resolution form.
Inmates need to obtain this form from their Correctional Counselor or other designated unit staff
member. On the Attempt at Informal Resolution form, the inmate will briefly state the nature of the
problem and list the efforts made to resolve the problem informally. An inmate shall place a single
complaint or reasonable number of closely related issues per form. If you need more than one space
provided on the form, you may add one 8 V2 x 11" continuation page written on one side only. You
may only attach one continuation page to your informal resolution form and one continuation page to
your administrative remedy.
After the form is completed, and if the issue cannot be informally resolved, the Correctional Counselor
will issue a BP-229 (BP-9) form. The inmate will return the completed BP-9 along with the Attempt
at Informal Resolution to his Counselor, who will review the material to ensure an attempt at informal
resolution was made. The deadline for completion of the Informal Resolution and submission of the
BP-9 complaint must be filed within twenty (20) calendar days from the date on which the basis for the
incident or complaint occurred. Institution Staff have twenty (20) calendar days to act on the
complaint and to provide a written response to the inmate. This time limit for the response may be
extended for an additional twenty (20) calendar days, but the inmate must be notified of the extension.
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FCC Petersburg November 20 II
When a complaint is determined to be of an emergency nature and threatens the inmate's immediate
health and welfare, the reply must be made as soon as possible, and within three calendar days from
receipt of the complaint.
If the inmate is not satisfied with the response to the BP-9, he may file an appeal to the Regional
Director. This appeal must be received in the regional office within twenty (20) calendar days from
the date of the Warden's signed BP-9 response. The regional appeal is written on a BP-230 (BP-I 0)
form, and must have a copy of the BP-9 form and response attached. The regional appeal must be
answered within thirty (30) calendar days, but the time limit may be extended an additional thirty (30)
days. The inmate must be notified of the extension.
If the inmate is not satisfied with the response by the Regional Director, he may appeal to the central
office of the Bureau of Prisons. The national appeal must be made on a BP-23 I (BP-II) form and
must have copies of the BP-9 and BP-l 0 forms with responses. The appeal must be received in the
central office within 30 calendar days of the date the Regional Director signed the BP-l 0 response.
The national appeal must be answered within forty (40) calendar days, but the time limit may be
extended an additional twenty (20) days if the inmate is notified.
All forms must be obtained from the Correctional Counselor or unit staff member.
In writing a BP-229, BP-230, or BP-231, the form should be written in three sections:
1. Statement of facts
2. Grounds for relief
3. Reliefrequested
Time limits for Filing (in calendar days)
BP-9: 20 days of incident
BP-IO: 20 days from BP-9 response
BP-II: 30 days from BP-I 0 response
Response Extensions
BP-9 20 days 20 days
BP-IO 30 days 30 days
BP-II 40 days 20 days
Sensitive Complaints
If an inmate believes a complaint is of such a sensitive nature that he would be adversely affected if the
complaint became known to the institution, he may fi Ie the complaint directly to the Regional Director.
The inmate must explain, in writing, the reason for not filing the complaint with the institution. If the
Regional Director agrees that the complaint is sensitive, it shall be accepted and a response to the
complaint will be processed. If the Regional Director does not agree that the complaint is sensitive,
the inmate will be advised in writing of that determination. If the complaint is not determined to be
sensitive, the complaint will not be returned to the inmate. Therefore, the inmate should keep a copy
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of his sensitive complaint. The inmate may then pursue the matter by filing a BP-9 at the institution.
Inmate Rights and Responsibilities §541.12
Rights Responsibilities
1. You have the right to expect that as a human I. You have the responsibility to treat others,
being you will be treated respectfully, both employees and inmates, in the same
impartially, and fairly by all personnel. manner.
2. You have the right to be informed of the rules, 2. You have the responsibility to know and abide
procedures, and schedules concerning the by them.
operation of the institution.
3. You have the right to freedom of religious 3. You have the responsibility to recognize and
affiliation, and of religious worship respect the voluntary rights of others in this
regard.
4. You have the right to health care, which 4. It is your responsibility not to waste food, to
includes nutritious meals, proper bedding and follow the laundry and shower schedule, .
clothing, and a laundry schedule for cleanliness maintain neat and clean living quarters, to keep
of the same, an opportunity to shower regularly, your area free of contraband and to
proper ventilation for warmth and fresh air, a seek medical and dental care as you may need it.
regular exercise period, toilet articles and
medical and dental treatment.
5. You have the right to visit and correspond 5. It is your responsibility to conduct yourself
with family members, and friends, and properly during visits, not to accept or pass
correspond with members of the news media in contraband, and not to violate the law or Bureau
keeping with Bureau rules and institution rules or institution guidelines through your
guidelines. correspondence
6. You have the right to unrestricted and 6. You have the responsibility to present
confidential access to the courts by honestly and fairly your petitions, questions, and
correspondence (on matters such as the legality problems to the court.
of your conviction, civil matters, pending
criminal cases, and conditions of your
imprisonment. )
7. You have the right to legal counsel from an 7. It is your responsibility to use the services of
attorney of your choice by interviews and an attorney honestly and fairly.
correspondence.
8. You have the right to participate in the use of 8. It is your responsibility to use these resources
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FCC Petersburg November 2011
law library reference materials to assist you in in keeping with the procedures and schedule
resolving legal problems. You also have the prescribed and to respect the rights of other
right to receive help when it is available through inmates to the use of the materials and
assistance.
9. You have the right to a wide range of reading 9. It is your responsibility to seek and utilize
materials for educational purposes and for your such materials for your personal benefit, without
own enjoyment. These materials may include depriving others of their equal rights
magazines and newspapers sent from the to the use of this material.
community, with certain restrictions.
10. You have the right to participate in 10. You have the responsibility to take
education, vocational training and employment advantage of activities which may help you live
as far as resources are available, and in keeping a successful and law-abiding life within the
with your interests, needs, and abilities. institution and in the community. You will be
expected to abide by the regulations governing
the use of such activities.
11. You have the right to use your funds for II. You have the responsibility to meet your
commissary and other purchases, consistent with financial and legal obligations, including, but
institution security and good order: for opening not limited to, court-imposed assessments, fines,
bank and/or savings accounts, and for assisting and restitution. You also have the responsibility
your family. to make use of your funds in a manner consistent
with your release plans, your family needs, and
for other obligations that you may have.]
Directions I Local Transportation
From interstate 95 North: Take Exit 54 toward Temple Avenue. Turn right on Temple Avenue.
Follow Temple Avenue for approximately 3.2 miles. Turn left on River Road. Follow River Road
for approximately 3.6 miles. FCC Petersburg Low is located on the left side of River Road, just
outside the sharp right bend in the road.
From Interstate 95 South: Same as above.
From 295 North: Take Exit 9B (Fort Lee) this will place you on Oaklawn Boulevard. Go through
three lights, then exit to the right immediately after Burger King. This will place you on VA
144/Temple Avenue. Go to the first light and turn right on River Road. Follow River Road for
approximately 3.6 miles. FCC Petersburg Low is located on the left side of River Road, just outside
the sharp right bend in the road.
From 295 South: Same as above
Local Transportation: There are no mass transit buses to the institution. Visitors traveling via
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Greyhound or Amtrak must take a taxi to the institution. Below is a list of current Cab companies
operating in the Petersburg area.
AAA Taxi Cab Company Inc.
(804) 862-8111
Boulevard Cab Co.
(804) 732-3636
Richardson Cab Company
(804) 732-4587
Groome Taxi Service
(Located at Richmond Airport) - (804) 222-6464
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